Resources: Professional Organizations
Association for Educational Communications and Technology
The Association for Educational Communications and Technology is the only international, professional association dedicated to the improvement of instruction through the utilization of media and technology. It provides a forum for the exchange of information among professionals in educational technology: audio-visual media, library and microcomputer specialists; education administrators; researchers; teachers and professors; learning resource specialists; curriculum developers; television producers and directors; and a variety of other professionals who require expertise in instructional technology. Membership is available for individuals.
Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
AITP is the professional association comprised of career minded individuals who seek to expand their potential--employers, employees, managers, programmers, and many others. The organization seeks to provide avenues for all their members to be teachers as well as students and to make contacts with other members in the IS field, all in an effort to become more marketable in rapidly changing, technological careers. Membership fees in local chapters include national membership.
Association for the Advancement ofComputing in Education (AACE)
The Association (founded in 1981) is an international, educational, and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the knowledge, theory, and quality of learning and teaching at all levels with information technology. This purpose of AACE is accomplished through the encouragement of scholarly inquiry related to information technology in education and the dissemination of research results and their applications. Membership includes one journal.
Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), a national non-profit organization, is the premier voice in education technology leadership. Their mission is to advance the K-12 education community's capacity to effectively use technology to improve learning through advocacy, policy and leadership development. Their members represent school districts, state and local education agencies, nonprofits, companies and individuals who share our vision. Individual memberships are available.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE is a nonprofit professional organization with a worldwide membership of leaders and potential leaders in educational technology. They are dedicated to promoting appropriate uses of information technology to support and improve learning, teaching, and administration in K–12 education and teacher education. Membership includes one journal and 10% discount on all ISTE materials if you are a member of a State Affiliate such as NETA.
Nebraska Distance Learning Association (NDLA)
This relatively new organization, composed of members from across the State, has as its mission, "To provide leadership in the field of distance learning by bringing together professionals in distance learning to share knowledge and expertise for the benefit of Nebraska's K-12 and post-secondary education, health care, business and industry, military and government organizations. Individual memberships are available.
Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA)
The Nebraska Educational Technology Association exists for the purpose of providing leadership and promoting the application of technology to the educational process. Its span of interest includes all levels and aspects of education. Its annual conference draws over 2,000 educators and technologists. Membership includes a bi-monthly printed newsletter.
U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association is a nonprofit organization formed in 1987. The association's purpose is to promote the development and application of distance learning for education and training. Their constituents include Pre-K through grade 12 education, higher education, home school education, continuing education, corporate training, military and government training, and telemedicine. Membership includes discounts at activities and one electronic newsletter.