--- title: Learning and Development Organizations description: Explore the associations, consortia, and networks shaping the future of learning and development. created: 2025-03-24 updated: 2025-03-24 authors: ThinkingCap topics: [] status: published canonical: https://console.thinkingcap.com/guest/organizations source_url: "https://www.thinkingcap.com/organizations" lastmod: 2025-03-24 scraped: 2026-08-19 --- # Global Learning and EdTech Organizations Explore the associations, consortia, and networks shaping the future of learning and development. Find like-minded people and groups ## Join the worldwide community 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. ![](https://www.1edtech.org/themes/custom/radix_sub/logo.svg) ##### 1EdTech Consortium Non-profit member consortium Leading non-profit community developing and promoting open edtech interoperability standards (LTI, Caliper, OneRoster, etc.) [Find out more](https://www.1edtech.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://aace.org/wp-content/themes/aace-theme/logos/aacelogo.png) ##### AACE – Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education Non-profit international educational association International non-profit advancing computing in education via research & conferences [Find out more](https://www.aace.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://thinkingcap.blob.core.windows.net/demolearnerview/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/advanced/org_accredited.png) ##### Accreditated Schools Online Informational resource site (commercial/for-profit) Provides guides, rankings, and financial aid info for students researching online schools. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/accreditedschoolsonline.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://acode.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-unframed-colour.svg) ##### ACODE – Australasian Council on Open Distance and e-Learning Non-profit higher education association Promotes quality practices in tech-enhanced learning among Australasian universities. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/acode.edu.au?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.adlnet.gov/assets/images/ADL-Advanced-Distributed-Learning.webp) ##### ADL – Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative Government-sponsored initiative U.S. government-led program pioneering e-learning standards like SCORM & xAPI [Find out more](https://adlnet.gov/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/AECT/48d18aca-4de7-437f-9023-69f2faa948d8/UploadedImages/Transparent_logo.png) ##### 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) [Find out more](https://www.aect.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/v1633721289/AffordableCollegesOnline.org/aco-logo-2.svg) ##### Affordable Colleges Online Informational resource site (commercial/for-profit) Offers cost-based rankings and tips for students exploring affordable online degrees. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/affordablecollegesonline.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.alt.ac.uk/sites/alt.ac.uk/files/Association%20for%20Learning%20Technology.png) ##### ALT – The Association for Learning Technology Non-profit professional association UK-based association advancing learning technology in education and training. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/alt.ac.uk?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.td.org/img/logo.svg) ##### ATD – Association for Talent Development Non-profit professional membership association Global association for workplace learning and performance professionals [Find out more](https://www.td.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://d36ai2hkxl16us.cloudfront.net/thoughtindustries/image/upload/a_exif,c_lfill,h_150,dpr_2.0/v1/course-uploads/03cbb68a-96e7-4102-9f43-d0ac959441e4/wd8bmzplg0jh-BHG-logo-2022-v2-blue1.png) ##### Brandon Hall Group Private, for-profit research and advisory company Research and advisory firm known for benchmarks and awards in learning tech [Find out more](https://brandonhall.com/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.cael.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CAEL%20Logo/CAEL-Logo-White.png?width=3402&height=1072&name=CAEL-Logo-White.png) ##### CAEL – Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Non-profit organization focused on adult learning Promotes lifelong learning through recognition of adult learning and portability [Find out more](https://www.cael.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://canelearn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CAN-e-Learn-logo.png) ##### CANeLearn - The Canadian e-Learning Network Non-profit national network Supports innovation and practice in K–12 eLearning across Canadian provinces. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/canelearn.net?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d2ce13_3f9b7551c3174f77b7a81d147d0e6e86~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_414,h_107,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/CCCE%20Logo%20(Dark)-01.png) ##### CCCE – The Canadian Community of Corporate Educators Industry association (likely non-profit) Serves corporate trainers and education professionals in Canada’s private sector. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/ccce.on.ca?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.cipd.org/contentassets/3592aca49d0841aabbd86a60e63c985f/cipd-logo.svg) ##### CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Non-profit chartered professional institute UK’s professional association for HR and L&D excellence [Find out more](https://www.cipd.co.uk/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://cnie-rcie-home.modeofproduction.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/08/CNIE-RCIE_rgb_300-1980x442.png) ##### CNIE – Canadian Network for Innovation in Education Non-profit scholarly association Promotes innovation and research in distance and online education across Canada. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/cnie-rcie.ca?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.col.org/wp-content/themes/col-child/img/col-logo-white.png) ##### COL – Commonwealth of Learning Intergovernmental organization An intergovernmental org that promotes open learning to improve access and equity globally. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/col.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.deac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DEAC-Logo-Updated-optimize.gif) ##### DEAC – Distance Education Accrediting Commission U.S. government-recognized accrediting body Accredits distance education providers and ensures quality in online degree programs. [Find out more](https://www.deac.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://eadtu.eu/templates/yootheme/cache/eadtu-logo-new-a99d72af.png) ##### EADTU – The European Association of Distance Teaching Universities Non-profit university association Represents Europe’s leading open and distance universities for policy and innovation. [Find out more](https://eadtu.eu/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://ecoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ECOO-Corporate-Logo_WP_Transparent.png) ##### ECOO – Educational Computing Organization of Ontario Non-profit educational association Supports Ontario educators in integrating technology into teaching and learning. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/ecoo.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://eden-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/eden_logo.png) ##### EDEN – European Distance and E-Learning Network Non-profit European association Fosters knowledge-sharing, research, and policy in digital education across Europe. [Find out more](https://eden-europe.eu/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.edna.edu.au/_next/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimg%2Fgeneral%2Fedna_logo.png&w=384&q=75) ##### EDNA – Education Network Australia Former national education network (gov-backed) Provided online educational tools and content exchange, decommissioned in 2011. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/edna.edu.au?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.educause.edu/-/media/images/logos/educause-downloadable-logo.png) ##### EDUCAUSE Non-profit association U.S.-based association advancing higher ed through IT innovation, research, and collaboration. [Find out more](https://www.educause.edu/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://academic-publishing.org/public/journals/2/pageHeaderLogoImage_en_US.png) ##### EJEL – The Electronic Journal of e-Learning Peer-reviewed academic journal Publishes open-access research in the field of online learning and educational tech. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/ejel.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.learningguild.com/images/redesign-2022/rainbow-guild-header-logo.svg) ##### eLearning Guild Membership-based community Former name of The Learning Guild, a global professional community for L&D. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/elearningguild.com?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://flanz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-2024-Baner.png) ##### FLANZ – Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand Non-profit professional association Advances open, flexible, and distance learning practice and research in New Zealand. [Find out more](https://flanz.org.nz/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://gazelaz.weebly.com/uploads/1/9/3/3/19333189/gazel-black-logo-2016.png) ##### GAZEL – Greater Arizona eLearning Association Regional non-profit association Promotes eLearning in Arizona’s education system through advocacy and innovation. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/gazel.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.icde.org/wp-content/themes/icde/library/images/logo.svg) ##### ICDE – International Council for Open and Distance Education Non-profit global membership association Global NGO promoting quality open, distance, flexible, and online education. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/icde.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c3619b179fc10499a907f0/4ab142f2-1c37-4297-9309-7da1b5e54066/IELA_LOGO.png?format=750w) ##### IELA – The International e-Learning Association Non-profit professional association Supports the advancement of e-learning standards and best practices globally. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/ielassoc.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.iacet.org/sites/default/includes/themes/IACET-2016/assets/img/colors/blue/logo_big.png) ##### 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. [Find out more](https://www.iacet.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://isaconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ISA-Logo-Horz_BLK_No-Tagline.png) ##### ISA – Instructional Systems Association Professional association Serves leaders and consultants in training and performance improvement fields. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/isaconnection.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://cdn.cookielaw.org/logos/6799a49b-2e84-4158-a5f9-a57bc908ce33/10f70ae7-bf30-47ef-8d97-77cc63261d45/08604edd-1ff5-4140-8d64-bd23700cc420/ISTE-logo_4C_with-margins_2016_(2).png) ##### ISTE – International Society for Technology in Education Non-profit professional association Provides leadership and resources for effective technology use in education. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/iste.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.itcnetwork.org/assets/site/logo.png) ##### ITC – Instructional Technology Council U.S. non-profit membership organization Represents community college professionals in distance learning and edtech. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/itcnetwork.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](http://itte.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/crop_new-itte_banner.jpg) ##### ITTE – The Association for Information Technology in Teacher Education UK non-profit association Supports research and practice in digital pedagogy for teacher educators. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/itte.org.uk?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.thelpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LPI-logotype.svg) ##### Learning & Performance Institute (LPI) Non-profit professional association International body for accreditation and research in L&D and workplace learning [Find out more](https://www.thelpi.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://humentum.org/wp-content/themes/humentum/images/logo.svg) ##### LINGOS Former non-profit consortium Provided learning tools and shared resources to humanitarian and development organizations. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/lingos.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://i0.wp.com/www.marylanddla.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cropped-2018-07-03_11-12-31.png?w=468&ssl=1) ##### MDLA – Maryland Distance Learning Association U.S. state-level non-profit Supports distance education professionals and policy across Maryland. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/marylanddla.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.modla.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cropped-siteicon.fw_-300x300.png) ##### MODLA – The Missouri Distance Learning Association U.S. state-level non-profit Advocates for access and innovation in distance education across Missouri. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/modla.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.nadeosa.org.za/images/logo3.png) ##### 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. [Find out more](https://www.nadeosa.org.za/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63b4b9b6402017189097771b/3650f887-6f54-470b-b775-f15b8046397a/nasaga-horizental-new.png?format=1500w) ##### NASAGA – North American Simulation and Gaming Association Non-profit membership association Promotes simulation and serious games for learning and organizational development. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/nasaga.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://odlaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/odlaa_logo_bg1.png) ##### ODLAA – Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia Non-profit scholarly association Supports research and collaboration in open, distance, and online learning in Australia. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/odlaa.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OLC_Logo_White-1536x269.png) ##### Online Learning Consortium Non-profit professional association Supports quality online learning through community, research, and best practice. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/onlinelearningconsortium.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://european-net.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/logo-eunet-full-1536x720.png) ##### Open Education Europa Former EU initiative (gov-funded) Promoted innovative open educational practices and MOOCs across Europe. [Find out more](https://european-net.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://saide.org.za/images/site-logo.svg) ##### 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) [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/saide.org.za?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.shrm.org/content/dam/en/shrm/brand-logos/shrm-main.svg) ##### SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management Non-profit professional association World’s largest HR society supporting workplace and talent development [Find out more](https://www.shrm.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://www.txdla.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-txdla-logo-color-TM.png) ##### Texas Digital Learning Association Non-profit state-level association Advances digital learning and ed-tech policy for Texas K–12 schools. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/txdla.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://thinkingcap.blob.core.windows.net/demolearnerview/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/advanced/org_accredited.png) ##### The eLearning Guild (Learning Guild) Community of practice for learning tech professionals [Find out more](https://www.learningguild.com/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://emt.gartnerweb.com/ngw/commonassets/images/build-graphics/gartner-logos/gartner.svg) ##### The Gartner Group Private, for-profit advisory & research firm Global analyst firm providing strategic insight on IT and learning technologies. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/gartner.com?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://cdn.ymaws.com/performanceandlearning.site-ym.com/graphics/logo.png) ##### The Institute for Performance and Learning Non-profit professional association Canadian association for learning, performance, and talent development professionals. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/performanceandlearning.ca?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e22715_bd80a47b98cf4d3791721a1ff9a1164b~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_42,y_0,w_982,h_453/fill/w_612,h_282,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MASIEFoundation2025.png) ##### The Masie Center Private think tank & consultancy Consulting and event firm focused on learning innovation and workplace performance. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/masie.com?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://cradall.org/sites/default/files/images/cradall_graphic-header.gif) ##### 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. [Find out more](https://cradall.org/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://usdla.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usdla-horiz-color@4x-1-768x244.png) ##### USDLA – United States Distance Learning Association Non-profit membership association Advocates for quality distance learning and online education across the U.S. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/usdla.org?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button) ![](https://wcet.wiche.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/wcet-logo-1.png) ##### WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies Non-profit higher-ed consortium U.S. network promoting effective use of educational technology in higher education. [Find out more](https://www.thinkingcap.com/wcet.wiche.edu?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=thinkingcap_industryorgs&utm_content=button)