The first of two items from the folks at the USDLA.

Tuesday 12/12: USDLA News The 2024 USDLA National Conference is June 17-20 in St. Louis Hello USDLA friends! We are thrilled that registration is open for our 2024 National Conference — June 17-20 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand. As you know, Our annual conference has long been an event where we mingle, discuss technology, and learn from an audience broader than our own. Nothing can replace those live in-person interactions, and conference feedback has always focused on those personal relationships made with one another. At our 37th conference, we will be focusing on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies: The Impact of AI on Distance and Digital Learning Micro-certifications Leadership tracks HyFlex Strategies for Success Student Engagement Techniques Professional Development for the Online Staff/Faculty Policy, Regulation, and Governance in Distance Education Distance and Digital Leadership Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access (OER, Hyflex, and more) Innovative Techniques and Technologies Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement Great IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility What’s Next for Distance Education Register today: usdla.org/2024-conference-registration Learn more here: usdla.org/2024-national-conference. Reserve your room early: Reservations are being accepted at the Marriott St. Louis. Room rates are $193 per night and can be extended three days prior to and after the conference. Be sure to use the link provided for this special rate. Parking Passes: there is a special USDLA rate of $20 per night for on-site parking. The cutoff date for this rate is 5/26/2024, so be sure to book asap: Click here. Scroll down for details about submitting a proposal to speak at the event and for our 2024 awards. We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 conference! — Pat Cassella, USDLA executive director: pcassella@usdla.org 2024 USDLA Call for Proposals Submit your proposal for 2024: usdla.org/2024-call-for-proposals We invite you to submit a proposal to speak at the USDLA 2024 National Conference. What we are looking for: We welcome proposals from all who work in distance or digital education across constituencies. We have speakers and attendees from corporate, education (higher and K-12), telehealth, government, military, and more. While you may submit any topic you choose, we have received feedback from our community that you may want to consider when preparing proposals. The following tracks will be featured: Policy, Regulation, and Governance in Distance Education Distance and Digital Leadership Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access (OER, Hyflex, and more) Innovative Techniques and Technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence (AI), AR/VR/XR, Gamification, and more) Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement Great IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Options: You have the option of proposing a session for the onsite event for the virtual component of the conference. Some virtual sessions will be scheduled after June 17-20. Deadline: The call is open until Sunday, January 14, 2024, 11:59pm ET. Submit your proposal: usdla.org/2024-call-for-proposals Questions? Contact events committee chair Valary Oleinik, voleinik@usdla.org 2024 USDLA AWARDS Submit your award proposal: usdla.org/2024-distance-learning-awards It’s Award time! At our 37th anniversary conference, we will be focusing on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies: Trendsetter in Distance Learning Dr. Jan McMahill Rising Star Award Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching/Training Award Outstanding Leadership Excellence in Distance Learning Research These award categories have been designed to provide an opportunity for a wide range of activities and individuals to participate in this year’s nominations. (Please do not submit a nomination for the same project/person that won an award in the previous three years.) Fees: The cost to submit a nomination will be $100 for USDLA members and $200 for non-members. The award submission fee for non-members includes one USDLA membership for next year. Award Ceremony: The USDLA 2024 Awards will be presented to the winners at the 2024 National Conference. Submit your proposal: usdla.org/2024-distance-learning-awards Questions? Contact awards committee chair Wendy Pate: wpate@usdla.org USDLA WEBINAR GUIDE Stay tuned for upcoming USDLA Free Friday Webinars: usdla.org/webinars Register for events hosted by our partners and sponsors Tuesday, December 12 6pm EST Kathryn Nieves Licwinko, Ed.D discusses: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Create a Classroom to Support All Learning.” Hosted by the Northeast Digital Learning Association (NEDLA) About the webinar: In this session, we will review how artificial intelligence can be used to support the diverse learning needs of students. We will discuss different prompts and techniques for the open AI platforms that incorporate the Universal Design for Learning framework and principles of differentiation and personalized learning. The strategies will address how to make content, instructional design and activities, and assessment accessible and more inclusive of student needs and interests. Participants will walk away with AI prompts that they can immediately use in the planning process, as well as strategies for supporting learners in the classroom. Register here: nedla.org Tuesday, January 9 6pm EST Paige Besthoff, Code.org trainer and 21st Century Educator discusses: “The Importance of Science Education.” Hosted by the Northeast Digital Learning Association (NEDLA) About the webinar: This session will feature Paige Besthoff, expert K-12 computer science educator and trainer with Code.org and the TCNJ Central NJ Computer Science Education Hub. This session will focus on sharing the importance of computer science education in the 21st century workforce, and the important educational relationships that link in problem solving, social emotional learning and the growth mindset with computer science development in children. Register here: nedla.org Become a MEMBER of USDLA Become a SPONSOR of USDLA Higher Education Certification Professional Learning Certification Support USDLA When You Shop @Amazon Smile Thank You to Our National Sponsors D2L, Instructure, JDL Horizons, Poly, Google, Verizon, Edu Alliance Group, Harmonize, FDLA, IAP, IPX, Nearpod, ViewSonic, Wolfvision, Anatomage,  Arizona Telemedicine Program and Southwest Telehealth Resource Center, GoReact, Huddly, BocaVox, Softchalk, NC Sara, Simple Syllabus, VDO360,  VirtualCare, Waldorf University, Merlot, IntelliBoard, Flo-ops,  Upswing, Questionmark, Perlego, Padlet Thank you for supporting USDLA, our Sponsors, and our State Chapters. Chuck Sengstock, President Valary Oleinik, President-elect About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) The USDLA, a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987, reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion. U.S. education and training market. 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 learning and training constituencies served include pre-K-12 education, home schooling, higher education, and continuing education, as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets. Visit USDLA.org USDLA | www.usdla.org

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