Distance Learning

The technology that propelled us into the information age and the era of the knowledge worker has infiltrated higher education to the point that we are in the midst of an "irreversible transformation..." that involves the increasing use of technology as a part of the teaching and learning process. This is dramatically clear in the area of distance learning, which pioneered the recognition that learners do not always have to come to the institution, that learning and support can be outward bound.

We welcome you to the Distance Learning Community of Practice where we share ideas, identify forthcoming challenges, and communicate about the changing nature of education and its impact on our institutions, faculty and students. The outline below highlights some of the key areas of our Community. Please join us in this remarkable journey.

Mission

"The UCEA Distance Learning Community of Practice provides its members opportunities for professional development within an infrastructure that provides for networking. It promotes the exchange and dissemination of information, ideas, and best practices related to a common interest in distance learning."

Goals

Support a national network of distance learning peers
Recognize excellence in practice
Encourage partnerships and collaboration
Serve as a resource for the application of instructional technologies
Provide resources and timely information about changes in national policies and practices affecting higher education

Benefits for the Individual Professional

Access to a network of colleagues who understand, value, and support distance learning
Opportunities to compare the application of technologies and course design
Analysis of best practices in distance learning
Timely information about distance learning research, conferences, and institutional activities

Activities

The Distance Learning CoP links members via listserv for discussions of emerging issues in distance learning such as:

intellectual property
Quality standards
disability issues
legislative developments
institutional policies

Opportunities

to collaborate on distance learning projects of national/international interest
to present at sponsored sessions/workshops at the UCEA Annual Conference

Awards

Distance Learning Course Awards
Program of Excellence Awards
Distance Learning Devoted Service Awards
William Rainey Harper Research Grants
Charles A. Wedemeyer Publications Awards
Nofflet Williams Up-and-Coming Leader Award
Gayle B. Childs Leadership Award

Resources

Resources for International Distance and Blended Teaching and Learning

Expert-for-a-Day Discussion: Accreditation
September 29, 2004

Oklahoma State University Institute for Telecommunications 2004 Distance Education Award (PDF file)

2003 Distance Learning Survey Results (PDF file)

Expert-for-a-Day Discussion: March 2003

Stategic Plan

1999-2000 Independent Study Program Profile (PDF file)

Members of this Community are concerned with:

Creating and managing virtual learning environments
Planning the use of instructional technologies
Developing learner support systems and advising services
Inter-institutional articulation and partnerships
Managing off-campus library services and copyright matters
Legislation and policies impacting higher education

For further information on this CoP, please contact Barbara Macaulay, chair of the Distance Learning Community of Practice, at bmacaulay at umassonline.net.

For information concerning membership in UCEA, please contact Cyrus Homayounpour, Director of Membership, at 202.659.3130 or cyrus@ucea.edu.