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Changing needs, Access Keep the Market Moving Source: Mass High Tech The Journal of New England Technology Vol. 21, Issue 7 By John G. Flores

From the U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) headquarters in Boston, the message is clear: The industry will continue to have modest growth with increased merger and acquisition activity, new sector alliances and cultural acceptance.

Moreover, the $750 billion U.S. education industry, a subset of the $2 trillion global education market, will experience opportunities and growth in distance learning commerce. Pre-K-12, higher education, corporate training, government, military, telehealth and home schooling constituencies represented by the USDLA report steady activity and a maturing understanding of what distance learning can deliver. Whether it is satellite, video conferencing, Web-based or other traditional distance learning distribution methods, reports from the field are the same: steady growth with M&A coupled with increased distance learning opportunities.

It’s no longer about education and training. It’s about the knowledge economy and lifelong learning. Developing skilled workforces. It’s about shifting paradigms. It’s about thinking out of the box.

Why? Because with distance learning the future is now, uncluttered by time, space or access. The only variable challenge of any student is commitment and institutional acceptance.

And at the USDLA we know that is changing too. In the Pre-K-12 market, state departments of education continue to certify and approve virtual schools and courses. Here in Massachusetts, the Department of Education has a task force looking at all the possible applications and programs available for local schools. Similar programs and committees are active in most other states. From online math and science to art and physical education, approved courses continue to increase in availability. Students are taking classes anywhere, any time, in all subjects.

In higher education, colleges and universities both public and private, for profit and nonprofit, have myriad available programs. In Massachusetts, UMass Online continues to grow and flourish. According to Jack Wilson, CEO, “The university continues to see positive growth and positive return on investment. In fact, in its second year of operation UMass Online has served more than 10,000 students and averaged a yearly growth rate of 56 percent. And students are clamoring for more courses and degree programs.”

Likewise, one of the oldest and most experienced universities in distance learning in the country concurs. Nova Southeastern University’s Wells Singleton, provost of the Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services in Florida (www.fgse.nova.edu), said, “Our distance learning degree programs continue to be a critical aspect of our mission and philosophy. We understand that today’s students must have flexibility, choice and quality teaching. Our programs, especially in the Northeast, have experienced tremendous success.”

The trends are not limited to the United States but rather are global in nature. Most higher education institutions affiliated with USDLA have numerous global partnerships and programs. Think Equity (www.think equity.com) reports that more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies have implemented corporate distance learning university programs.

And both are pursing domestic and global student audiences. With 15 million students in the U.S. spending billions of dollars coupled with a global desire for U.S.-related degrees, strong business opportunities exist, hence, the large capital invested in companies such as WebCT, Blackboard, Connected Learning and others.

Similar to the higher education distance learning initiatives and the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, distance learning in telehealth, government and the military grows steadily. From the eArmyU Online Program to new distance learning programs associated with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the President’s recent stimulus package, there are tremendous opportunities and implications for the distance learning industry.

Distance learning will continue its path in 2003 with steady growth, so stay tuned for the next chapter.
John G. Flores is executive director of U.S. Distance Learning Association in Boston, a nonprofit association serving the distance learning community. USDLA has state chapters across the country. For information or to become a member, visit www.usdla.org.

About USDLA

The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 to promote the development and application of distance learning for education and training. USDLA represents 2000 members from pre-K through 12 education and higher education, continuing education, corporate, military and government training, home schooling and telemedicine. USDLA is a leading source of information and policy for distance learning that focuses on all legislation impacting the distance learning community and its varied constituencies. Since 1993 USDLA has continued to establish state chapters in all fifty states.

For more information about USDLA visit the organization’s website at www.usdla.org.