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November 2006 Dear current and potential Iowa Distance Learning Association members: The 2007 Iowa Connections Conference (IACON) is just around the corner. This year's theme Iowa Proud-Continuing the Lead was chosen to showcase what is special about our state in the realm of Distance Education. The Iowa Distance Learning Association was the first state to join a chapter under the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). This year it is important to not only look at the past successes of our state's distance learning history, but to also look towards the future of what we can accomplish together through our organization. Information Technology as we know it today, is at the cusp of dynamic changes and is very close to a convergence of technologies such as Wireless Internet, Video over Internet Protocol, Internet Protocol TV, and streaming video to name a few. When these technologies join, they will allow more vibrant and interactive technologies to be delivered straight to the home or perhaps a worker’s desktop. Thanks to the Iowa Communications Network, Iowa is the only state in the nation with an infrastructure ready today to deliver next-generation technologies to further economic development through distance education. In Iowa we sometimes take for granted that we have been leaders in distance education. After all, we have been doing it for quite some time. However, there is no time to rest! With the dynamic cusp of changes coming, we need to prepare for the next-generation of technologies. Working together through a professional organization, like the Iowa Distance Learning Association, distance learning professionals can share thoughts and exchange ideas. By pooling our resources, we can do more through our synergies than we could ever accomplish alone. If you are a distance learning professional, and would like to assist in helping Iowa continue to lead the nation in distance learning initiatives, please consider joining our organization today. We welcome new colleagues who want to make a difference in our organization and for the state of Iowa. Please feel to contact me, or any of the board members, with any questions you may have about becoming a member of the Iowa Distance Learning Association. Sincerely, Dr. Donna Jones
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