Join Us for NDLW 2026: Register Now for Free Learning Opportunities!
National Distance Learning Week 2026: Advancing the Future of Distance Education
Registration is now open for USDLA National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), November 2–6, 2026!
This year marks the 20th year of National Distance Learning Week, continuing USDLA’s tradition of bringing together educators, leaders, practitioners, and partners from across sectors to celebrate and advance digital and distance learning. NDLW is offered free of charge and has reached more than 50,000 virtual attendees over its history.
The 2026 theme, “Advancing AI, Global Education (OER), and Sustainable Future of Distance Education,” reflects several of the most important opportunities and challenges shaping the field today. Throughout the week, participants will explore emerging technologies, quality assurance, lifelong learning, international education, assessment, workforce development, and open pedagogy.
Highlights include:
AI in Action with Dr. Robbie Melton
From Classroom to Career: What Agentic AI Means for Lifelong Learners with Ryan Lufkin
Introducing the Beautiful Minds Career Progression Framework with John Copeland
The Next Decade of Distance Learning: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities with Dr. Shana Garrett
Global Partners Day, featuring international recruitment and a dialogue on quality assurance for distance education in the age of AI
Making Learning Visible: Why Evidence Over Time Matters More Than Ever with Dr. Lisa Clark
Advancing AI and OER through an Open Pedagogy with Mark Hussey and Kae Novak
NDLW will also feature the Online Daily Show, hosted by Dr. Farah Bennani and Kae Novak, offering a relaxed opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss current trends in distance learning and educational technology.
USDLA hosts National Distance Learning Week to increase awareness and appreciation of distance and digital learning; highlight best practices and emerging trends; showcase applications across K–20, corporate learning, telehealth, and government and military settings; and recognize leaders advancing the field.
Join us November 2–6 for a free week of learning, connection, and forward-looking conversations about the future of distance education.
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About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Formed in 1987, USDLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit association formed in 1987. 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
In addition, USDLA has provided consulting and certification services to a diverse range of institutions, proving that its flexible model scales across different sectors:
Public Universities: University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin-Stout.
HBCUs: Morgan State University, Bethune-Cookman University.
Private & Specialized Colleges: Berkeley College, Central State University (Ohio), Landmark College (specializing in neurodiversity).
Community Colleges: Various systems, including the Kentucky community college system.
The core philosophy remains that no two engagements are alike, as the solutions must be as unique as the institutional goals they are designed to meet.
