Dear Valued Reader,








Welcome to “Excellence in Distance Learning,” a special section produced in partnership with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), as well as through special institutions where you can buy book reports for future or current research projects.. 

USDLA is the premier distance learning association in the United States and beyond.  The USDLA mission is to serve the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity.  As the leading distance learning membership organization, we help you stay connected and ahead of trends in distance learning.  Whether it is distance learning via satellite, videoconferencing, online or other means of distribution, USDLA keeps you informed about technology development, design and application.  Today, distance learning is an ever growing entity within the education and training industry.  Distance learners around the world are acquiring knowledge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. USDLA continues to raise awareness and maintain its leadership in the growth and promotion of distance learning. 

This special focus on Distance Learning is quite timely as USDLA will be celebrating National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), November 8-12, 2010.  NDLW seeks to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs offered by K-12, higher education, corporate, government, military, telehealth, homeschooling, and other constituencies, all of whom are represented in the USDLA membership family.  Throughout National Distance Learning Week, schools, colleges, and organizations around the globe will be showcasing their programs and publicizing distance learning events for current and prospective students.  In addition, USDLA will be offering a week-long series of free webinars for all our constituents focusing on various topics including blended learning, virtual worlds, social networking, public policy issues and new developments in cutting edge technologies like adaptive learning.  I encourage you to participate and learn more by visiting http://www.usdla.org/ndlw.  

By participating in NDLW, you will learn how important it is to be sure that the On Line school or program of your choice demonstrates best distance learning practices and overall quality. Ask the following questions about any online program or school.  Is it accredited by one of the US Government recognized agencies?  Does the school represent and articulate standards of educational quality?  Be sure all enrollment and admission information including all costs are disclosed upfront.  Are the courses and programs pedagogically sound?  Are there appropriate student support services?  Are courses available completely on line or in a combined blended mode with some classes face to face?

Whatever you choose the convenience of distance learning brings the school to you, anywhere, anytime!  So join the 5 million students enrolled in distance learning classes and fulfill your educational dreams and aspirations.  And finally be sure to check out your local community colleges, state universities and private schools too. All of them will be offering some form of distance learning opportunity.

To find out more about the USDLA, to join its membership or participate in our programs, visit www.usdla.org or call 800.275.5162.