Together everyone achieves more, and to bring distance educators together there are many distance learning associations at the state level, the U.S. level, and around the world.
U.S. Distance Learning Associations
The Distance and Education Training Council (DETC)
DETC is a non-profit educational association which serves as a clearinghouse of information about the distance study/correspondence field.
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
A non-profit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning for education and training. Includes K-12 education, higher education, continuing education, corporate training, and military and government training.
ADEC Distance Learning Consortium
ADEC is a international consortium of state and land grant institutions providing economic distance education programs and services via the latest and most appropriate information technologies.
Federal Government Distributed Learning Association (FGDLA)
The FGDLA is a nonprofit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning and to actively foster collaboration and understanding among those involved in educational and training within the federal government.
State Distance Learning Associations
Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS)
ACCESS is an education initiative of the Alabama Department of Education. It provides opportunities and options for Alabama public high school students to engage in Advanced Placement (AP), elective, and other courses to which they may not otherwise have access.
Arkansas Distance Learning Association
The Arkansas Distance Learning Association is a private, non-profit organization, dedicated to providing leadership within the State of Arkansas for the field of distance learning.
Greater Arizona eLearning Association (GAZeL)
GAZeL is an alliance between eLearning educators, practitioners and related businesses whose purpose is to provide vision, share research, support learning initiatives, and gather resources for the utilization, implementation and expansion of eLearning in business, government, and education.
Alliance for Distance Education in California (ADEC)
ADEC is comprised of over 200 professionals dedicated to the development and furthering of distance learning and online education in California. ADEC emphasizes cooperation between all segments/levels of education.
Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC)
A non-profit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning to education, training, research, business, and communications in Connecticut.
Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA)
A non-profit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning in the public and private sectors and all levels of education: K-12, area education agencies, higher education, continuing education, information sciences, corporate training and education, and the military.
Pan Pacific/Hawaii Distance Learning Association
An association for distance learning both in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Iowa Distance Learning Association (IDLA)
The Iowa Distance Learning Association (IDLA) is a non-profit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning to education and training.
Kansas Association for Interactive Distance Education(KAIDE)
KAIDE was formed in 1996 with the purpose of increasing awareness, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of two-way, interactive distance education in Kansas.
Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA)
An association of professionals who advocate and promote the coordination and use of distance learning in Maryland and throughout the region.
Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA)
MoDLA promotes the effective application of distance learning strategies to maximize access, equity, and quality of educational resources for teachers and learners of all ages.
Missouri Research and Education Network
MOREnet links Missouri to a world of knowledge through a statewide research and education network. Schools, public libraries, academic institutions and state agencies linked to the network have access to a secure broadband Internet connection, staff training, technical support and electronic resources, making equitable access possible across Missouri.
Nebraska Distance Learning Council (NDLC)
The NDLC exists to promote the furthering of distance learning in Nebraska.
Garden State Distance Learning Consortium (GSDLC)
The GSDLC promotes the development of distance learning in New Jersey and the application of video conferencing within a classroom setting for education and training. GSDLC is embarking on innovative ways to incorporate instructional technologies that validate and punctuate what the teachers are doing inside the classroom.
New York Distance Learning Association (NYDLA)
NYDLA seeks to establish a forum dedicated to the free exchange of ideas and information between corporate, academic, and government professionals, concerning the issues and technological changes in the field of distance learning and how it can be utilized to improve human performance.
North Carolina Distance Learning Association (NCDLA)
The NCDLA is a nonprofit formed to promote the development and application of distance learning in education of all levels and government/corporate training. The NCDLA serves as distance learning clearinghouse for all its members.
Oklahoma Distance Learning Association (ODLA)
Seeks to promote the development and application of distance learning in education and training in Oklahoma.
Pennsylvania Distance Learning Association (PADLA)
PADLA is committed to providing an open discussion forum, resources, information, networking and knowledge for professionals concerning the issues and technological changes affecting distance/e-learning.
Texas Distance Learning Association (TDLA)
Membership is open to all individuals, statewide, nationwide, and around the world, who are interested in promoting the sensible application of distance learning strategies to maximize access, equity, and quality of educational resources for teachers and learners of all ages.
Global Distance Learning Associations
Canadian Institute for Distance Education Research (CIDER)
The Canadian Institute of Distance Education Research is a research initiative coordinated from the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University. The CIDER web site is an online self-managed research community with a shared domain of interest in distance education research. Within this research community, members have the opportunity to engage in debates, explore research areas of interest, and disseminate research related to distance education.
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE)
CNIE/RCI1 formed when CADE merged with another company to form this national association of professionals committed to excellence in the provision of distance education and innovation in education in Canada.
The Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
COL is an intergovernmental organization created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. COL is helping developing nations improve access to quality education and training.
Ethiopian Distance Learning Association
The Ethiopian Distance Learning Association is committed to the education of the Ethiopian youth in collaboration with grass root organizations including, The International Open College of Ethiopia, the Virtual School of Ethiopian Studies and the Ethiopian Virtual University.
European Distance and E-learning Network (EDEN)
EDEN's aim is to foster developments in distance education through the provision of a platform for co-operation and collaboration between a wide range of institutions, networks and individuals concerned with distance education in Europe.
International Council for Open and Distance Education
The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) is the leading global membership organization for the open and distance education community, and is open to institutions, educational authorities, commercial actors, and individuals. ICDE is an NGO in formal consultative relations with UNESCO and shares UNESCO’s key value of the universal right to education for all. ICDE further derives its position from the unique knowledge and experience of its members throughout the world in the development and use of new methodologies and emerging technologies.
Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT)
MERLOT is a free and open online community of educators sharing their learning materials and pedagogical resources among faculty, staff and students of higher education from around the world. MERLOT is a leading edge, user-centered, collection of peer reviewed higher education, online learning materials, cataloged by registered members and a set of faculty development support services.
Norwegian Association for Distance Education (NADE)
NADE was established in 1968. Since then, the organization has played an active role in the development of distance education in Norway.
Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA)
ODLAA is a professional association of members interested in the practice and administration of distance education and open learning.
South African Institute for Distance Education
SAIDE, the South African Institute for Distance Education, is a non-governmental organization based in Johannesburg but conducting projects throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. SAIDE’s task is to contribute to the development of new models of open and distance education practice, that accord with and take forward the values, principles, and goals of the evolving education systems in the Southern African region. It has also paid particular attention to the appropriate use of technology in education and most recently established a Kenya-based initiative, OER Africa, to promote the development and sharing of OER on the African continent.