USDLA Announces Committee to Lead Distance Learning Initiative

June 1, 2008

The 14 member USDLA national committee is made up of representatives from various constituencies, including university and K-12 educators, corporations, military and government representatives, home schooling administrators, telehealth and media professionals. These members were chosen for their dedicated work in their professions and the field of distance learning. The committee members will work to promote the awareness of distance learning within their organizations and communities.

Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman was recently appointed by the USDLA as the 2008 NDLW national committee chairman for the second year. Dr. Hartman is the Academic Director for Drexel University Online. “I am honored to take this initiative to another level. Our goal is to educate the public on the exciting and ground breaking events occurring each day in distance learning,” says Dr. Hartman. “We want to continue moving forward after the success of the inaugural National Distance Learning Week,” says Hartman.

“USDLA could not have found a better person to lead this initiative. Dr. Hartman’s experience in education and the media will ultimately result in a very successful event,” says Dr. John G. Flores, Chief Executive Officer the USDLA.

E-learning is one of the fastest growing segments in education. Over 3.5 million people are taking online classes or are enrolled in an online degree program. That number is expected to rise as online learning continues to gain momentum and becomes even more popular. The convenience of online learning has led students of all ages to pursue their studies online. Students in high school through senior citizens can access their virtual classrooms and continue their education from anywhere in the world.

For more information regarding NDLW contact Dr. Kenneth Hartman, national committee chair, at 215.895.0501 or visit www.ndlw.org

About Distance Learning

Distance Learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. National Distance Learning Week is an initiative that was developed to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning within the areas of K-12, Higher Education, and Business Corporations. This initiative also recognizes leaders and best practices in the field, and is designed to engage professionals in the day-to-day practice of distance learning. Schools, colleges, corporations, military branches, individuals, and organizations are recognized for providing exceptional products and services to the distance learning community.

About USDLA

The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance education and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling, as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. For more information, visit www.usdla.org.