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| Contact: |
Allan Cole
NELA
(617) 558-5566
allan@nelearning.org
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Catherine Allen
SHIFT Communications
(617) 242-7325, ext. 227
catherine@shiftcomm.com
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Responding to the diverse needs of the learning community, the Boston E-learning Association re-launches as the New England Learning Association
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-- NELA Will Offer Content-Rich Programs Reflecting the Convergence of Online Training, Knowledge Management, Collaboration Software and Other Solutions in the Evolving Landscape of Learning and Technology --
-- New Members Include Generation 21 Learning Systems, Interwise and Enterprise Ireland --
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Boston, Mass. - August 18, 2003 - In a move that more appropriately reflects the association's mission, membership and role in the expanding learning industry landscape, The Boston E-Learning Association (BELA) has been renamed The New England Learning Association (NELA). A professional community where best practices in the design, development and implementation of learning technology across industry and academia are recognized and shared, NELA offers high-quality programs that debate emerging industry trends and implementation strategies. Members benefit from access to knowledgeable experts on a variety of learning issues, standards and best practices, as well as opportunities to build partnerships, enhance professional credentials, exchange ideas and develop special interests within the learning spectrum.
"Since its founding in 2001, BELA has been focused on the rapidly expanding e-learning industry," said Allan Cole, co-founder and executive director of NELA. "However as the industry has evolved to include best learning practices based on blended solutions comprised of traditional methods and innovative technology, we found the term "e-learning" to be too narrow in defining the breadth and scope of our association and membership. With this change we hope to better reflect the needs and interests of our professional community."
On the heels of this milestone, NELA also announces new members including Interwise, the foremost provider of enterprise communication solutions; Generation21, a leading developer of enterprise learning software; and, Enterprise Ireland, a government organization charged with assisting the development of Irish enterprise at home and abroad.
"We were looking for an organization that would provide a forum for the discussion of emerging industry trends and strategies, as well as help us build partnerships and maintain our competitive edge through interaction with like-minded professionals and organizations," said John Stearns, president, Generation 21 Learning Systems. "NELA is at the forefront of the intersection of education and technology. As a member, we have access to content-rich programs and opportunities that help us promote and enhance technology-based learning throughout our organization."
NELA will kick off its event season on September 18th at 6:00 PM at Hotel@MIT. Alfred Essa, CIO of the MIT Sloan School of Management, will lead a discussion entitled "MIT Presents Cutting Edge Learning Technologies: Discussion and Case Study." Essa will discuss two new cutting edge learning initiatives at MIT: the dot.learn and ilearn projects.
For information on membership or to register for this and future NELA events, please visit www.nelearning.org.
About the New England Learning Association
Founded in 2001 as The Boston E-Learning Association (BELA), The New England Learning Association (NELA) brings together professionals in industry and educational institutions for the purpose of advancing the successful adoption of technology for learning. NELA leverages New England's position as a leader in education and technology innovation to enhance the human potential of individuals and organizations. For more information on NELA, please visit www.nelearning.org.
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