Global Learning and EdTech Organizations
Explore the associations, consortia, and networks shaping the future of learning and development.
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The world of education and training is supported by a rich ecosystem of organizations—each advancing innovation, research, standards, and community in digital learning. From global accrediting bodies to regional networks and professional associations, these groups help define how we teach, train, and learn across sectors and geographies.
Below is a curated list of influential organizations in online education, instructional technology, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Whether you're seeking collaboration, accreditation, or professional growth, these groups are leading the conversation.
1EdTech Consortium
Non-profit member consortium
Leading non-profit community developing and promoting open edtech interoperability standards (LTI, Caliper, OneRoster, etc.)
AACE – Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education
Non-profit international educational association
International non-profit advancing computing in education via research & conferences
Accreditated Schools Online
Informational resource site (commercial/for-profit)
Provides guides, rankings, and financial aid info for students researching online schools.
ACODE – Australasian Council on Open Distance and e-Learning
Non-profit higher education association
Promotes quality practices in tech-enhanced learning among Australasian universities.
ADL – Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative
Government-sponsored initiative
U.S. government-led program pioneering e-learning standards like SCORM & xAPI
AECT – Association for Educational Communications and Technology
Non-profit professional association
Professional association advancing scholarship and practice in instructional and educational technology worldwide (aect.org, aect.org)
Affordable Colleges Online
Informational resource site (commercial/for-profit)
Offers cost-based rankings and tips for students exploring affordable online degrees.
ALT – The Association for Learning Technology
Non-profit professional association
UK-based association advancing learning technology in education and training.
ATD – Association for Talent Development
Non-profit professional membership association
Global association for workplace learning and performance professionals
Brandon Hall Group
Private, for-profit research and advisory company
Research and advisory firm known for benchmarks and awards in learning tech
CAEL – Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
Non-profit organization focused on adult learning
Promotes lifelong learning through recognition of adult learning and portability
CANeLearn - The Canadian e-Learning Network
Non-profit national network
Supports innovation and practice in K–12 eLearning across Canadian provinces.
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CCCE – The Canadian Community of Corporate Educators
Industry association (likely non-profit)
Serves corporate trainers and education professionals in Canada’s private sector.
CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Non-profit chartered professional institute
UK’s professional association for HR and L&D excellence
CNIE – Canadian Network for Innovation in Education
Non-profit scholarly association
Promotes innovation and research in distance and online education across Canada.
COL – Commonwealth of Learning
Intergovernmental organization
An intergovernmental org that promotes open learning to improve access and equity globally.
DEAC – Distance Education Accrediting Commission
U.S. government-recognized accrediting body
Accredits distance education providers and ensures quality in online degree programs.
EADTU – The European Association of Distance Teaching Universities
Non-profit university association
Represents Europe’s leading open and distance universities for policy and innovation.
ECOO – Educational Computing Organization of Ontario
Non-profit educational association
Supports Ontario educators in integrating technology into teaching and learning.
EDEN – European Distance and E-Learning Network
Non-profit European association
Fosters knowledge-sharing, research, and policy in digital education across Europe.
EDNA – Education Network Australia
Former national education network (gov-backed)
Provided online educational tools and content exchange, decommissioned in 2011.
EDUCAUSE
Non-profit association
U.S.-based association advancing higher ed through IT innovation, research, and collaboration.
EJEL – The Electronic Journal of e-Learning
Peer-reviewed academic journal
Publishes open-access research in the field of online learning and educational tech.
eLearning Guild
Membership-based community
Former name of The Learning Guild, a global professional community for L&D.
FLANZ – Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand
Non-profit professional association
Advances open, flexible, and distance learning practice and research in New Zealand.
GAZEL – Greater Arizona eLearning Association
Regional non-profit association
Promotes eLearning in Arizona’s education system through advocacy and innovation.
ICDE – International Council for Open and Distance Education
Non-profit global membership association
Global NGO promoting quality open, distance, flexible, and online education.
IELA – The International e-Learning Association
Non-profit professional association
Supports the advancement of e-learning standards and best practices globally.
International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
Non-profit accrediting organization
Sets the ANSI/IACET Standard and accredits continuing education and training providers worldwide.
ISA – Instructional Systems Association
Professional association
Serves leaders and consultants in training and performance improvement fields.
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ISTE – International Society for Technology in Education
Non-profit professional association
Provides leadership and resources for effective technology use in education.
ITC – Instructional Technology Council
U.S. non-profit membership organization
Represents community college professionals in distance learning and edtech.
ITTE – The Association for Information Technology in Teacher Education
UK non-profit association
Supports research and practice in digital pedagogy for teacher educators.
Learning & Performance Institute (LPI)
Non-profit professional association
International body for accreditation and research in L&D and workplace learning
LINGOS
Former non-profit consortium
Provided learning tools and shared resources to humanitarian and development organizations.
MDLA – Maryland Distance Learning Association
U.S. state-level non-profit
Supports distance education professionals and policy across Maryland.
MODLA – The Missouri Distance Learning Association
U.S. state-level non-profit
Advocates for access and innovation in distance education across Missouri.
NADEOSA – The National Association of Distance Education and Open Learning in South Africa
Non-profit educational association
Fosters collaboration and research in distance education across South Africa.
NASAGA – North American Simulation and Gaming Association
Non-profit membership association
Promotes simulation and serious games for learning and organizational development.
ODLAA – Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia
Non-profit scholarly association
Supports research and collaboration in open, distance, and online learning in Australia.
Online Learning Consortium
Non-profit professional association
Supports quality online learning through community, research, and best practice.
Open Education Europa
Former EU initiative (gov-funded)
Promoted innovative open educational practices and MOOCs across Europe.
Saide – South African Institute for Distance Education
Non-profit educational trust
Promotes open and distance learning equity across South Africa and sub‑Saharan Africa (saide.org.za, en.wikipedia.org)
SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management
Non-profit professional association
World’s largest HR society supporting workplace and talent development
Texas Digital Learning Association
Non-profit state-level association
Advances digital learning and ed-tech policy for Texas K–12 schools.
The eLearning Guild (Learning Guild)
Community of practice for learning tech professionals
The Gartner Group
Private, for-profit advisory & research firm
Global analyst firm providing strategic insight on IT and learning technologies.
The Institute for Performance and Learning
Non-profit professional association
Canadian association for learning, performance, and talent development professionals.
The Masie Center
Private think tank & consultancy
Consulting and event firm focused on learning innovation and workplace performance.
University of Glasgow: Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning (CR&DALL)
Academic research center
UK-based research hub specializing in adult and lifelong learning studies.
USDLA – United States Distance Learning Association
Non-profit membership association
Advocates for quality distance learning and online education across the U.S.
WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies
Non-profit higher-ed consortium
U.S. network promoting effective use of educational technology in higher education.
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