2008 National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) will be held November 10-14, 2008

National Distance Learning Week 2008 is coming, and we wanted to take a moment to encourage your participation to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs.

Sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), (www.usdla.org) the 2008 National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) will be held November 10-14, 2008. During this time, schools, colleges, businesses and other organizations will highlight their offerings for current and prospective students and educators. Additionally, the USDLA will conduct a series of free webinars during National Distance Learning Week, educating their constituents on the latest happenings in distance learning.

The purpose of National Distance Learning Week is to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning, including K-12, Higher Education, Corporate and Military, while recognizing leaders and best practices in the field. Therefore, we urge you to conduct local or national events during this time—whether you are a professional engaged in the day-to-day practice of distance learning, or an individual or organization that provides products and services being distributed via the Internet, video conferencing, or satellite technologies.

“[Distance] learning programs are invaluable because they provide a segment of our population with critical literacy and job-related skills as well as the means to take their careers to the next level,” said Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.

There are a variety of ways to participate in National Distance Learning Week, from hosting a distance learning webinar to donating computers to educational facilities. Here is just a short list of ideas:

- Provide a link from your website, wiki or blog to the NDLW site (download a logo at http://www.ndlw.org/media.html )

- Send an email to your communities inviting them to the NDLW site or to your own NDLW promotional event

- Help your clients to host an NDLW event within or outside their organization for educational outreach

- Participate in one of our live webinars (http://www.ndlw.org/learners.html )

- Launch new products and services during NDLW

- Provide content/giveaways for the NDLW website that promotes distance learning awareness in some way. Although content may be branded, please ensure that it is educational/informative in nature and not overly marketing oriented.

For additional ideas, more information, or press materials, visit www.ndlw.org. If you are interested, in providing content for the NDLW site or have any questions, please contact Dr. Ken Hartman at kenhartman@drexel.edu.