What is the Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA)?

Updated

The Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA) is a nonprofit professional association for people who work in distance and online education in Florida. It is relevant if you are an administrator, faculty member, instructional designer, technologist, student support specialist, or other distance learning professional who wants to connect with peers and advance online education delivery. The site describes FDLA's purpose as fostering community and amplifying thought leadership in distance learning.

Who FDLA serves

FDLA's membership spans a broad spectrum of industries and roles. The site lists these member sectors:

  • Higher/continuing education
  • K–12
  • Corporate training
  • Military
  • Information technology
  • Consulting
  • Area educational agencies

If your work touches online or distance learning in any of these settings, FDLA is designed for you.

What FDLA does

The association states three main aims:

  1. Build a network of people focused on educating, creating knowledge or communications, and providing guidance or programs related to digital, online, and distance learning technologies.
  2. Collaborate with educational institutions, cultural centers, community groups, service organizations, and government agencies.
  3. Share knowledge, experience, and information about strategies and technologies that advance distance learning and benefit education, communities, and local economies.

Affiliation with USDLA

FDLA is affiliated with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). According to the site, when you join FDLA you also become a basic member of USDLA. This gives members a connection to a national organization in addition to the Florida-focused network.

Conference and events

FDLA hosts an annual conference, described as the premier event for distance learning professionals in Florida. Registration is currently open for the FDLA/FAMTE 2027 Conference, themed "Beyond Boundaries: AI, Innovation, and Online Learning." If you want to attend, check the conference page on fdla.com for registration details and the program.

Leadership and governance

FDLA is led by a board of educational, nonprofit, and corporate professionals. The Board of Directors meets regularly through committees handling conference planning, administration, governance, and publication-related business. The site lists Dr. Hui Fang Huang "Angie" Su, Ed.D., as President, with the contact address [email protected].

Should you join?

Consider FDLA if you want a Florida-based professional network in distance learning, access to an annual conference, and a link to USDLA through membership. The site invites participation from distance learning professionals but does not publish membership pricing or detailed eligibility rules, so check fdla.com directly for current membership terms before deciding.