Minutes of Meeting
October 5, 2001

The fall meeting of the Nebraska Distance Learning Association was called to order at 9:10 a.m. by President Sarah Cunningham. In attendance were the following officers: Sarah Cunningham, President; Phyllis Brunken, President-elect; Carl Mesecher, Secretary; Gloria Vavricka, Teasurer; and Shirley Schall, Past President. Board Members present included: Elizabeth Hoffman; Pat Hoffman; and Max Thacker. Members and others present were John Horvath, Gwen Nugent, Chris Petroff, Tom Rolfes, Gary Satchell and John Stritt.

Officers, board members and members introduced themselves.

Minutes of the June 6, 2001 meeting were not available to approve, but Phyllis Brunken will provide those Minutes via the web.

President-elect Phyllis Brunken stated that the NDLA balance was $1736.62.

Sarah Cunningham reported that the Nebraska Videoconferencing Network (NVCN) would be used for upcoming NDLA meetings.

Sarah Cunningham reported that in order to become an official charter member of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), we need to have three paid individual memberships from Nebraska at $80 each plus $5 per Nebraska member. Currently we do not meet those guidelines.

Sarah Cunningham reported that USDLA wants a copy of our original charter.

Sarah Cunningham report that the NDLA listserv needs updated so it reflects our current membership. Max Thacker said he would update the listserv.

Phyllis Brunken reported that NDLA registration forms need updated. Gloria Vavricka said she would update the registration form.

Phyllis Brunken reported that NDLA membership fees are due July 1, 2002. A notice will be sent to all NDLA members directing them to the NDLA Web site to renew their membership. The e-mail address on the NDLA Web site for registrations will be changed to Gloria Vavricka instead of Phyllis Brunken.

Sarah Cunningham asked everyone in attendance to write down one thing they want from NDLA. The following points were discussed:

• Networking opportunities.
• Promote quality of distance learning instruction.
• Foster the growth and development of distance education in Nebraska through collaboration between K-12 and higher education.
• Would like to see the state conference become a regional conference to exchange information/ practices with other states.
• Information from experts on the latest trends in distance education.
• Information clearinghouse for distance learning opportunities and technical assistance.
• Investigate certification for distance learning teachers.
• Expand membership (telehealth, cooperate, military, government, "ambassadors").
• Establish a stronger lobbyist movement. NDLA needs to be an advocate of distance learning teachers.
• Additional sessions at NDLA conference by teachers of ways they are using distance learning systems.
• NDLA should recognize outstanding distance learning programs/ achievements at its annual meeting.
• NDLA should alert members via the newsletter/ listserv of proposed video standards and the outcome of their implementation.
• Promote K-12/ higher education interactive two-way video across the state and fight for the required gateways/ interconnects.

Shirley Schall suggested that NDLA work on creating a statewide distance education certification program and possible a regional certification program for teachers. She said there are two $25,000 training grants available this spring that could be used for seed money to start the certification program. We would start by meeting with groups to see if they would acknowledge this type of certification. The catalyst grant will fund a meeting with stakeholders. Sarah Cunningham will appoint a group to investigate the possibilities. Gwen Nugent mentioned that Jim King at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a document on higher education policies related to distance education.

Tom Rolfs reported that comments related to video standards are due October 15, 2001.

Sarah Cunningham reported that she talked about NDLA at the August telehealth meeting.

Sarah Cunningham suggested that the 2002 NDLA conference be held at the Scott Conference Center and Kewitt. The suggested dates are June 5-7, 2002. Sarah Cunningham said that we need to determine if the technical track will be part of the conference. Sarah Cunningham appointed Max Thacker chair of the programming committee for the 2002 NDLA conference. Shirley Schall suggested looking into a joint conference with the Iowa Distance Learning Association.

Sarah Cunningham discussed the USDLA conference and Web site. Max Thacker said he will be attending the Telecom Conference in Anaheim, CA on October 22-25.

Sarah Cunningham reported that the next meeting would be held on December 7, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. on the NVCN.

Sarah Cunningham adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m.