The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) aims to unite learners around the world through distance learning. Founded in 1987, USDLA provides leadership, advocacy, information, and recognition in the field of distance learning. It represents various distance learning communities and seeks to promote access, partnerships, and diversity in distance education globally.

1. Uniting Learners Around the World! John G. Flores, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer

6. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, (attributed) US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)

7. Timeline of Distance Education 1996 1989 1999 E-learning arrives 1995 Prof Chris Dede coins “Distributed Learning” John Chambers, CEO Cisco, speaking to the PC industry, states “e-learning will make e-mail look like a rounding error.” Los Alamos Nat’l Labs launches first national conference on distance learning 1 st online, accredited university launched [Jones Intl Univ.] 1993 1910 1921 1883 First educational radio license issued to Latter Day Saints’ Univ. International Correspondence School launched Chautauqua [Correspondence] Institute founded in NY Iowa State launched first educational TV programs 1982 1950 1964 1971 1987 British Open University established PBS is created and launches education TV US DOE launches Star Schools Project National University Teleconferencing Network founded National Technological University founded 1985 Founded 1987 Started 1997 Source: USDLA Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning , 2006

9. An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage. - Jack Welch, Former General Electric Chairman and CEO

12. But what we all have to learn is that we can't do everything ourselves. - Vinton G. Cerf, Vice President & Chief Internet Evangelist , Google

16. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. -Benjamin Franklin

17. Past Events

18. Current Events

19. Publications

22. Industry Awards USDLA 2005 Outstanding State Chapter California Chapter – the Alliance for Distance Education in California USDLA 2005 Hall of Fame Award Dr. Robert A. Wisher, Associate Director of Training Transformation (T2) and Director of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative USDLA 2005 Eagle Award Florida Governor John Ellis “Jeb” Bush

23. Alliances & Partnerships

25. Membership & Sponsorship Levels

26. John G. Flores, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer [email_address] For more information call 800.275.5162 or visit the USDLA website located at www.usdla.org