An item from the folks at the USDLA.

Thursday 3/7: USDLA Brief Celebrate International Women’s Day with these amazing women-led webinars It’s March, and that means it’s webinar season! Be sure to register for these educational, information-packed events: TODAY: March 7 — The final day of EDEN Digital Learning Conference: Open Education Week March 8 — USDLA Free Friday Webinar: “Explore, Connect, Learn with CILC” March 19 — NEDLA: “Teaching Ordinary Subjects in Extraordinary Ways“ Scroll down for details and links to register. Also below: Find this week’s Industry News future that you can use today, published in The Evolllution. We’ll talk to you again on Tuesday! — All our best, USDLA’s Communications team Distance Learning Industry News The Evolution: “Elevated Expectations: Redefining the Language of Credentialing” In last week’s issue of The Evolllution. author Tonya Amankwatia, Assistant Vice Provost of Distance Education and Extended Learning North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, writes: As the landscape of higher education changes, the language we use to describe lifelong learning credentials must evolve to reflect the true value and potential of these alternative pathways. Words matter, especially in the competitive higher education climate where the value of a degree is questioned. Just as some express discomfort with nonlanguage when referencing learners, I share a parallel concern about applying the label “noncredit” to the credentials people earn outside of traditional college programs. Using the term “noncredit” suggests these credentials are somehow less substantial. It’s time to challenge this status quo and recognize the hard work and dedication adult learners put into earning these credentials outside of degree programs. Click here to read the entire article. USDLA FREE FRIDAY WEBINAR: March 8 Mark your calendar for March 8, 1-2pm ET: USDA’s next webinar will be on March 8, and will help you discover how the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) is revolutionizing K-12 and adult education through interactive virtual learning experiences with treasured museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, historical sites, national parks, and more. During this webinar: Explore innovative strategies, success stories, and collaborative opportunities that empower educators, students, and lifelong learners to thrive in a digital learning landscape. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate for inclusive education, this webinar is your passport to understanding the profound impact of virtual connections in global education. Click here to learn more about the webinar and register. About the presenters Allyson Mitchell: Director of Partnerships & Engagement, Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) Before joining CILC as Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Allyson Mitchell held various leadership positions within departments of learning in art, history, and university museums. In these roles, she supervised the design of multiple distance learning studios and the development of the supporting interactive virtual learning programming and training of affiliated staff or experts. Allyson has presented at national and international conferences to discuss the implications of integrating distance learning in museums and diverse learning environments. She has actively published scholarship on this topic; most recently, she was co-author and contributing artist of the book Museums & Interactive Virtual Learning (Spring 2022). Mitchell also co-hosts the newly released podcast Why Distance Learning? Tami Moehring: Director of Member Relations, Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) Tami Moehring manages overall member operations providing support, training and mentoring to content providers and educators. In her role, Tami is helping CILC grow and expand its impact for CILC and content providers, as well as educators and students. Before coming to CILC, she spent over 10 years in museum education working at various museums including the Minnesota Historical Society. She has presented at state and national conferences on the importance of virtual learning. Most recently she co-authored the book Museums & Interactive Learning, which was released in 2022. EDEN’s OPEN EDUCATION WEEK: ENDS TODAY Tune in: March 7 1pm CET GenAI Role Related to OER: How Teaching and Learning Can Benefit from It About the webinar: GenAIs play a crucial role in Open Educational Resources (OER) by improving the accessibility, equity, inclusivity, and effectiveness of teaching and learning materials. Through advanced natural language processing and personalized learning algorithms, GenAIs can tailor content to the individual needs of learners, promoting a more adaptive and engaging educational experience. In addition, they contribute to creating high-quality OER by generating educational content, assessments, and interactive resources, expanding the availability of diverse and innovative educational materials. Accordingly, it is essential to take the lead in the AI era. Join us in this session, organized in collaboration with the ICDE OER Advocacy Committee, and discuss with experts on GenAI, OER, and high-quality teaching and learning in the digital age. Register here! NEDLA’s MONTHLY WEBINAR: March 19 Teaching Ordinary Subjects in Extraordinary Ways March 19, 7-8pm ET NEDLA.org About the webinar: Competition for highly qualified, technical talent will continue to intensify to keep pace with technological innovation. To meet the challenge, educators must develop a STEM curriculum, often, with limited funding. Educators will see aerospace/STEM resources, activities, textbooks, products, and programs to use in any classroom or after-school or enrichment programs. These educational tips and materials can be used across disciplines in both core and elective studies. Aerospace education learning resources/components augments and enhances existing classroom educational environment as well as motivating and stimulating student’s future job readiness and career growth. Diverse aerospace curriculum will develop an interest in and appreciation for aerospace/STEM subjects making education fun as our nation seeks to inspire the aerospace/STEM workforce of the next generation. Fortunately, there are available resources that provide the need for specialized future workforces through a variety of dynamic programs, products, and activities to assist educators. The challenge: getting the word out. About the presenter: Lt. Col. Michael Catania, Civil Air Patrol taught high school for 35 years, earning himself the educational experience that laid the foundation for his career in Aerospace Education. Starting in 1996, Castania joined the Civil Air Patrol and quickly progressed through the ranks to lieutenant colonel. During his 25+ year tenure, he has received myriad of awards including but not limited to Master Ratings in Aerospace Education and Professional Development, Exceptional Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, National and Region Commander’s Commendations, National General Jeanne M. Holm Aerospace Education Officer of the Year Award, and induction into New Jersey’s Aviation Hall of Fame. Lt Col. Castania is a licensed pilot currently serving as the Director of Aerospace Education for the New Jersey Wing, CAP and Executive Director, NJ Aviation Education Council. Click here to register! 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Our weekly newsletters reach more than 100,000 people globally, including our members and sponsors working in industries including pre-K-12 education, homeschooling, higher education, continuing education, corporate, military, government, and telehealth. Our mission is to promote the development and application of distance learning for education, training, advocacy, and networking: USDLA.org USDLA | www.usdla.org

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