The following article was written by Anthony Pina, the current DDL president-elect. In this article, Pina reviews the DDL program at the AECT 2006 convention in Orlando.

You can download a Word version of this article here.

Division of Distance Learning
By Anthony A. Piña, Ed.D., President-Elect, DDL

DDL@AECT

The Division of Distance Learning (DDL) sponsored an eclectic program at the 2005 AECT Convention in Orlando. AECT attendees could choose among more that 70 concurrent, roundtable, workshop and poster sessions. Topics included research on distance learning and teaching, theoretical underpinnings of design, cultural differences among distance learners and teacher in national and international settings, program and course evaluation, assessment of distance learners and other importance topics of interest to DDL members.

Attendees were exposed to best practices (such as strategies for increasing interactivity in online courses) and worst practices (such as the proliferation of online diploma mills). Newer trends and technologies, such as wikis, blogs and podcasts, proved to be popular sessions. Those coming to AECT for the latest and best information on distance learning were provided with a veritable feast, as many high quality sessions related to distance learning were also offered by other AECT divisions and affiliate organizations.

DDL Luncheon

Speaking of feasts, another highlight of the Convention was the DDL Luncheon. A good number of division members–and a few guests—took the opportunity to get to know each other better, strengthen or establish professional networks, conduct a bit of Division business and share many lighthearted moments and stories.

DDL Board and Membership Meetings

The meetings of the DDL Board and DDL membership, conducted by incoming DDL President Vance Durrington, provided an opportunity to give a formal honorable release and vote of thanks to outgoing officers, such as Past-President Nathan Lowell and President Patricia Gilbert. David Winograd will continue as DDL’s representative to the AECT Board. New officers Anthony Piña, Rick West, Bosede Aworuwa and Michael Barbour were introduced and welcomed by the membership.

The 2005-2006 DDL Officers are:

• Vance Durrington, President, Mississippi State University
• Patricia Gilbert, Past President, Pearson Prentice Hall
• Anthony Piña, President-Elect, Northeastern Illinois University
• Rick West, Communications Officer, University of Georgia
• Bosede Aworuwa, Board Member, Texas A&M University-Texarkana
• Michael Barbour, Board Member, University of Georgia
• David Winograd, AECT Board Representative, CUNY-York College

Two major topics dominated the remainder of the discussion. The first was a presentation by Anthony Piña on the restructuring of the DDL Crystal Awards for Excellence in Distance Learning. The award will now include categories for online courses and online projects or modules. This will encourage the participation of AECT members and others who develop and teach online courses and will increase the visibility, scope and audience of the award. The other major topic of discussion was a consideration of ways to better leverage the Division’s communication and interaction, including taking better advantage of the DDL Website, investigating the possibility of developing a division portal, promoting DDL’s successful Listserve and blog, completing the distance learning glossary and pursuing a more active relationship with the Quarterly Review of Distance Education, AECT’s distance learning journal.

As distance learning becomes more pervasive in higher education, K-12, industry, military, healthcare and non-profit settings, the Division of Distance Learning will continue to support and promote the highest quality in theory and practice.