E-learning Industry & Market Research

Educational Agencies & Associations

Distance and e-learning programs are quickly becoming a vital part of higher education and the larger educational system in the United States, Canada, Europe, and throughout the world. The growing industry of e-learning programs makes it possible for more people to reach their educational goals.

Students, educators, and people interested in e-learning programs should know about the many national and international educational agencies and associations that are dedicated to the support and promotion of higher education, including distance and e-learning programs.

As the #1 e-learning resource on the web, World Wide Learn provides you with the information you need about the educational agencies and associations that support and promote all types of educational programs in the U.S. and around the globe.

Use this section as a resource to find information about the educational agencies and associations that can help you better understand the world of higher education, and achieve your academic goals.

United States

• American Association for Higher Education (AAHE)
  A national organization of over 8,500 people, the American Association for Higher Education is devoted to the improvement of higher education in the United States. The members of the AAHE include students, faculty, members of educational administration, policymakers, and foundation, business, and governmental leaders. The members of AAHE uphold the belief that institutions of higher education should be more effective in order to make higher education a more dominant part of the lives of Americans.
• American Council on Education (ACE)
  The American Council on Education maintains the belief that in order to create a more effective democratic society, the system of higher education in the United States should be stronger and should provide equal educational opportunities to all Americans. The ACE has about 1,800 members including accredited colleges and universities, along with other educational organizations. One of the ACE’s most important roles is communicate the views of its members to policymakers.
• Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
  The goal of the Association of American Colleges and Universities is to advance liberal education in the United States. A leading national resource, the members of the AAC&U are accredited public and private colleges and universities. Among other areas of focus, the AAC&U is dedicated to the development of faculty, diversity in the field of education, and global learning.
• Association of American Universities (AAU)
  The Association of American Universities is dedicated to pursuing a high level of quality in the research conducted in undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational programs. The Association has a membership of 60 research universities and provides its members with guidance about federal developments having to do with educational research. The Association also serves as a forum for the discussion of a wide variety of educational and institutional issues.
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
  One of the most important purposes of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is to ensure the academic quality of institutions of higher education through the formal implementation of higher education accrediting bodies. Established in 1996, CHEA, a nonprofit organization, has a membership of colleges and other institutions of higher education. One of CHEA’s many vital roles is to collect and coordinate research, data, and other information to improve the quality and standards of accreditation.
• Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
  The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national non-profit organization which creates and manages effective learning strategies for working adults through partnerships with employers, higher education, government and labor.
• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
  The Distance Education and Training Council (formerly the National Home Study Council) is a non-profit educational association located in Washington, D.C. The association also sponsors a nationally recognized accrediting agency called the “Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.”
• The United States Distance Learning Association
  Provides national leadership in the field of distance learning, advocates and promotes its use, provides current information.

Canada

• Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE)
  A Canadian national organization, the Canada Association for Distance Education is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in Canada’s distance education institutions and programs. With a membership of professionals, CADE works to maintain its role as the representative for distance education in Canada. Through its Board of Directors, memberships, and activities, CADE maintains its identity as a bilingual operation.
• The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
  The Canadian Bureau for International Education is an organization of 200 colleges, universities, schools, boards, educational associations, and businesses in Canada. The organization works together with educational institutions, organizations, and governments in areas outside of Canada such as Africa, the Americas, The Former Soviet Union, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. The CBIE’s focus is to develop all aspects of the international education system of Canada and beyond. The CBIE also works toward the improvement of public administration in foreign countries, as well as providing and overseeing services for foreign students in Canada.
• The Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education (CSSHE)
  The mission of the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education is to promote and make available the high quality research of postsecondary education being conducted in Canada through the applications of programs and organizational partnerships. The CSSHE serves as a means of communication among all those engaged in postsecondary education theory and practice throughout Canada. The CSSHE is a charitable organization and gets iots funding through membership fees, subscriptions, donations, and grants.

United Kingdom

• Higher Education & Research Opportunities in the United Kingdom (HERO)
  The Higher Education & Research Opportunities in the United Kingdom organization is designed to provide information about universities, colleges, and educational research organizations in the United Kingdom. Covering topics such as studying, research, business, culture and sport, and Universities and Colleges, HERO is a helpful informative tool for students, faculty, administrators, and researchers, interested in all aspects of higher education in and around the United Kingdom.
• Universities and Colleges Admissions Services [in the United Kingdom] (UCAS)
  Universities and Colleges Admissions Services was established in 1993 after the merger of three former educational organizations in the UK. The aim of UCAS is to provide greater access to higher education programs by offering appropriate services to prospective students, schools, colleges, and institutions of higher education. UCAS is involved with research, consultant work, publication, and other activities designed to make educational information more accessible to all interested parties.

Europe

• European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN)
  Through activities promoting the collaboration of many educational institutions, networks, and individuals involved with Europeans distance education, EDEN’s goal is to support the development and the betterment of distance education practices in Europe.
• The Central and Eastern European Education Directory
  The goal of The Central and Eastern European Education Directory is to provide constantly updated information about undergraduate and post-graduate educational programs available at over 1300 academic institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, the CIS, and Russia. The information provided comes directly from the involved universities.

Australia

• Education Network Australia (EdNA)
  Funded by Australian governments, the Education Network Australia strives to support the role of the Internet for education and professional training in Australia. EdNA is organized using the Australian curriculum and is free for educators in Australia. EdNA is a service designed to promote communication and collaboration among educational organizations throughout Australia.
• Australian Universities Quality Forum (AUQF)
  The mission of the Australian Universities Quality Forum is to promote the discussion of issues involving quality assurance and good practice in higher education in Australia.

International

• International Association of Universities (IAU)
  The International Association of Universities is a collaborative project that involves institutions and organizations from over 150 countries in the effort to work toward the improvement of common issues related to the field of higher education. The mission of the IAU is to recognize the role of higher education institutions and organizations as promoters of freedom and justice, human dignity, and solidarity among all international people.
• The Center for Quality Assurance in International Education
  Dedicated to the mission of ensuring standards of quality in international professional and academic mobility and credentials, The Center for Quality Assurance in International Education is located in Washington D.C. and is a collaborative operation of higher education associations in the United States and associations in other countries. The CENTER helps countries to develop and improve quality assurance programs for international higher education, and also works to globalize education and professions.