MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2011
Time: 1 - 2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Online Learning - Will the growth continue?
Presenter:
Todd A. Hitchcock, USDLA Board Member, Senior Vice President, Online Solutions & Business Development, Pearson

Over the past decade, the growth in students taking online courses in K-12 and Higher Education has outstripped the increase in the number of students enrolling in traditional programs. We know the numbers and we know the 'whys' but the question is, will this trend continue and if so, what will the enablers be? Join this webinar to explore a number of potential enablers and to discuss what the next 'big thing' could be to spur the growth in online learning or disrupt it. Register to attend: http://www.usdla.org/index.php?cid=115

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Learning Styles: Do they really matter?
Presenter:
Dr. Jolly T. Holden, USDLA Chair Emeritus, Advisory Board Chair, American InterContinental University, Associate Professor - School of Education

The recurring debate concerning the efficacy of learning styles and their impact on learning outcomes has been reflected in the literature for the past 60 years. Research has not overwhelmingly supported the premise that learning styles are a useful variable when designing instruction for adult learners. Since the goal of designing instruction is to attain the desired learning outcomes, the question one must answer is: Do learning styles really matter? In this his lively webinar, learning styles will be defined and differentiated from learning modalities, and based upon the research, why learning styles are not useful variables when predicting learning outcomes. Register to attend: http://www.usdla.org/index.php?cid=115

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topics: Virtual Worlds / Mobile Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Keysha Gamor, Virtual World Consultant

This webinar will explore the new mobile learning environment and how it is changing the way the world learns and interacts in a global multi-billion dollar education and training market. In addition, it will provide an overview of virtual worlds while examining popular virtual world applications. This session will also help you to frame an understanding of virtual worlds and their appropriate application. Register to attend: http://www.usdla.org/index.php?cid=115

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Developing, Maintaining, and Growing a State Chapter
Presenters:
Ken Conn, USDLA Board Member and Senior Vice President for State Chapters, Director of Houston Education, Data Projections
Louis Stricoff, Executive Director, PA/DE/NJ Distance Learning Association, Business Development Manager, Emantras/MOBL21
Janet Major, USDLA Board Member and Arizona Distance Learning Association - Past President, Technical Coordinator Arizona Telemedicine Program, Distance Program Coordinator, BioCommunications, The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center

As the title states, this session will focus on developing, maintaining, and growing a state chapter of the United States Distance Learning Association. You will have the opportunity to learn with various state chapter leaders who will share their experiences. Register to attend: http://www.usdla.org/index.php?cid=115

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011
Time: 1-2:00 pm (ET)
Topic: Brain-based Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Nish Sonwalkar, (Sc.D.MIT), USDLA, Director of Research, The International Center for Distance Learning Research and Praxis (ICDLRP)

This webinar will explore how the brain is comprised of billions of neurons (brain cells) connected with trillions of "synaptic" connections between the neurons. Recent research indicates that learning happens in a human brain when a group of neurons are able to form a network passing information between them in the form of electro-chemical signals. Brain-based learning has the potential to enable curriculum content to be adapted to individualized learning pathways ensuring an increase in learning effectiveness and efficiency as well as improvement in student engagement and evaluation measurements. Register to attend: http://www.usdla.org/index.php?cid=115