(Oct. 23, 2001)

A serious, interdisciplinary dialogue on e-Learning is needed.  Although there are many “conferences” offered, there is a lack of non-commercial, truly international e-Learning conferences representing the four primary e-Learning sectors—Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education.  Unfortunately, current e-Learning conferences tend to focus on only one of these sectors, often are organized by for-profit corporations and consulting firms, and are really tradeshows and expos with few non-commercial presentations.

Despite the general name and to the credit of its participants, the WebNet conference has evolved into an internationally respected e-Learning conference.  Currently, 70%+ of WebNet’s sessions are in the areas of Distance Education and E-Learning. 

Thus, we believe that with a name more reflective of the focus of the conference and with your needed assistance, we can transform the WebNet Conference into the premiere multi-sector, international conference on e-Learning.  This conference will enable e-Learning researchers and practitioners in corporate, government, healthcare, and higher education to engage in a true dialogue and exchange information and experience on their latest research, development, and applications. 

We have taken the first steps toward creating this needed conference for e-Learning professionals:

Ø      The WebNet Conference has been renamed to: e-Learn—World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education

Ø      The conference will be organized by AACE, a not-for-profit, well-respected, international organization dedicated solely to educational technology and e-learning.

Ø      AACE will rename the International Journal on Educational Telecommunications to the International Journal on E-Learning (IJEL).  The journal will be redesigned with a 4-color cover and glossy pages.  Both the newly designed IJEL and WebNet Journal will serve as e-Learn Conference co-sponsors and publish selected papers from the e-Learn Conference.

Ø      An Advisory Board composed of leaders in e-Learning from all four sectors has been established and will oversee the development of the Conference and its related Journal.

To provide e-Learning professionals with information on the latest technologies/Web advances, an affiliated event entitled WebNet— International Symposium on the WWW and Internet will be held in conjunction with the e-Learn Conference.  The Call for Presentations also requests proposals for the WebNet Sym.

We ask you to help us transform and create this much needed e-Learning conference by continuing to actively participate, give presentations, and inform your colleagues about the e-Learn Conference.  Soon Program Committee invitations will be sent to current PC members. 

For the list of e-Learn Conference/WebNet Symposium topics and Advisory Board members, please see the e-Learn Conference Call at: www.aace.org/conf/elearn

We are excited about the e-Learn Conference and how it will benefit you and its future participants.

And we look forward to seeing you in Montreal, Canada, for e-Learn 2002!

Best regards,

Gary H. Marks, Ph.D.
AACE Executive Director

e-Learn Conference: www.aace.org/conf/elearn