I just completed my PLP goal #3 by following Connie's lead and joining the Sloan Consortium. 

  

PLP Goal # 3-  Join Distance Learning Association and become 
                         more engaged in the DE process.
                         Connect and network with online learners and teachers.

                        

I am excited about the reduced rate that this fabulous source of information has offered me as a student!
Membership in the Sloan Consortium includes valuable resources that will assist me in gaining effectiveness in online teaching and learning.  I believe that being a member will give me access to information that will assist me in my journey as an online student and then prepare me to be a better online teacher.  It all boils down to having the time to take advantage of these great opportunities. Sloan-C conferences and workshops, free webinars, discussion groups, and peer networking will all facilitate my online journey.

Wikipedia describes the Sloan Consortium at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloan_Consortium

Perhaps after graduation I can take advantage of the Sloan-C Certificate Program.  This program
prepares educators to teach and improve online courses using the Sloan-C pillars of quality in online education. The Sloan website states, "The program consists of a 9-week foundation course and a variety of electives that focus on improving overall competency within a specific area of academic focus while working individually with expert mentors".  The program is offered four more times this year and hopefully it will continue to be offered when I am finished with my dissertation.

sloanconsortium.org

Dr. Smolka may be interested in reading this link on Sloan and Texas A&M
http://www.prlog.org/12301524-sloan-and-texas-am-university-commerce-announce-strategic-partnership.html