History

Since 1994 the Oklahoma Distance Learning Association has been dedicated to promoting the development and application of techniques and technologies that eliminate the barrier of time and place in delivering quality education and training.

Among our members are K-12 educators, higher education institutions, vocational and technical educators, area education agencies, state and federal training groups, and continuing medical and corporate training professionals.

Through technology conferences, meetings, sponsorship of seminars, and our listserv, we seek to gather and cross-pollinate the collective expertise of our members, technology vendors, other distance learning practitioners, and policy makers in both the academic and training arenas.

At each of our technology conferences, exhibitors have played a critical role by sponsoring events and demonstrating emerging technology. From paying for dinners to implementing an entire working distance learning classroom, our exhibitors have demonstrated time and again that they are truly dedicated to the alternative delivery of education and training.

	1st Technology Conference “Focusing on Distance Learning & Training in Oklahoma” Where: Center for Int’l Trade & Development Building Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma When: April 4 & 5, 1995 Highlights: “Oklahoma’s Strategic Plan for Interconnectivity” introduced the concept of OneNet. “The Role of the Telephone & Cable Companies in Distance Education Delivery” brought the concepts of cable modems and ISDN to our membership. Panels discussed: Two-way Compressed Video Networks, Full Motion Interactive Networks, Interactive Television, The US Army Teletraining Network, Healthcare and Remote Patient Care, the dawning of Federal & State Distance Learning Telecommunications Networks, Exploration of the Internet, Oklahoma Technology Adminstrators and their Plans for K-12, Setting up Policies for Distance Education.
	2nd Technology Conference Where: Thurman J. White Forum Building University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma When: April 29 – May 1, 1996 Highlights: “OneNet Administrative Plans & Policies, Operational Issues, Technical Considerations, Internet Links & Cost Issues” allowed distance education practitioners and technical personnel understanding on how to move forward with OneNet’s implementation. The forum also brought focus to concerns and redirections of policy and procedures. “Telemedicine & the Law” alerted healthcare practitioners to the need for clarifications in existing laws and suggested changes to allow the industry to develop. “Developing Viable CME/CNE Programming” provided nuts and bolts answers to continued education in the medical and nursing fields. As emerging technologies facilitate delivery, more emphasis will be placed on requiring license holders to upgrade their understanding of their fields. “Effective Techniques and Strategies for Interactive Television Delivery and Internet-based Curriculum” introduced Oklahoma educators to the needs for curriculum amendments when deploying these respective delivery vehicles. “Concurrent Enrollment, Support Services for the Distance Learner, & Instructor Compensation Models” led administrators on a collaborative effort to break down geographical and other barriers in their efforts to provide Oklahoma students a quality education in a distinctly new manner. “DHS / Sattrn – training using an amended DoD model” featured the satellite based training system which allows the Department of Human Services to quickly and more effectively disseminate quality training to its geographically dispersed staff. “Army TNET delivering to the Sinai” showed how multiple telecommunications delivery vehicles successfully meet the needs of today’s army irrespective of their deployment.
	3rd Technology Conference Where: Adam’s Mark Hotel Tulsa, Oklahoma When: April 28 – 30, 1997 Highlights: “Reaching Students via Desktop Videoconferencing” demonstrated the not-then-adopted H.323 protocol. “The Virtual University Trends and Projects” Radar screens began to target the Western Governor’s University and its impact on education in Oklahoma. “Telemedicine Legistative Report & Initiatives in Prisons, Indian Health Care, & Telepathology” led ODLA members to successfully inform state bodies working on legislation regarding these matters. “Nuts and Bolts of Designing Effective Distance Learning Programs” and a slew of other panelist discussions has expanded a now flourishing system of educational cooperatives in which rural schools share teaching resources amongst its membership allowing for a more diverse curriculum.
	4th Technology Conference Where: Student Center University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma When: March 30 – April 1, 1998 Highlights: OK Five gave 30 days notice of their withdrawal of administrative support services from OneNet. If you were there, you heard it first! “Implications of the FCC Universal Service Decision” provided educators with the latest news about technology funding directly from Washington DC. “One Wire Does It All” & “Technology Convergence” outlined the benefits to education and corporate training of integrated telecommunications services. H.323 and ISDN were prominently displayed by exhibitors and discussed in many of the sessions. “Western Governors University Update” was a follow-up progress report to the January 1998 conference which announced Oklahoma’s joining of the WGU. Vo-Tech members met and formulated impacts of HB 1815, the E-Rate, and sharing of original programming. Telemedicical members examined new peripherals, innovative projects and discussed legislative issues such as SB 48, HB 2868 and licensing renewal.
	5th Technology Conference Where: Student Center University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma When: May 25 & 26, 1999 Highlights: OETA gave us the scoop on its digital television roleout and our timeline compared with other states. We heard from the first Oklahoma State Secretary for Science and Technology. With the role out of $50,000 per K-12 school targeted toward the adoption of H.323, vendors told us about their products and services.
	6th Technology Conference Where: Myriad Convention Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma When: June 1 – 3, 2000 Highlights:
	7th Technology Conference Where: Myriad Convention Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma When: June 10 – 12, 2001 Highlights:
	8th Technology Conference Where: Myriad Convention Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma When: April 3 & 4, 2002 Highlights:

Past Speakers: