#68 The Future of Distance Learning: USDLA’s Pat Cassella on AI, Hybrid Teaching, and Access for All

Why Distance Learning?

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring welcome Pat Cassella—Executive Director of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), VP of Worldwide Sales at VDO360, and founder of ETC Video. Pat traces the evolution of video technology in education, healthcare, government, and corporate training—and offers bold predictions about what’s next.

Why This Matters

Educators are flooded with tools but lack training, workflows, and staffing to use them well—especially in hybrid settings where engaging in-person and remote learners simultaneously feels impossible. K-12 systems in particular face understaffing, turnover, and abandoned tech.

How to Make It Work

Pat argues for purpose-built technology aligned to teacher workflows and deliberate pedagogy for virtual/hybrid environments. The big shift: infrastructure is now easy—the work is pedagogical. He also highlights flexible learning models (including micro-credentialing) that expand choice for learners across K-12, higher ed, and the workforce.

“You don’t want technology for the sake of technology. It has to have a purpose—and fit the teacher’s workflow.”
“Without distance learning, you’re limiting student choices. Flexibility is what today’s learners demand.”

Put It Into Practice

1. Audit for Purpose & Fit: Map your most-used teaching routines. Keep/choose tools that reduce steps in those routines and increase engagement for both in-person and remote learners.
2. Train for Hybrid: Treat hybrid as its own modality. Build camera/mic placement, interaction norms, and roles (e.g., a student facilitator) into lesson plans.
3. Offer Flexible Paths: Pilot a micro-credential or short, skills-focused module to give students on-ramps that match their time, goals, and circumstances.

Episode Links

• United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) — mission, programs, and community
• National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) — first full week of November; explore events and sessions mentioned in the episode
• VDO360 — video collaboration cameras and solutions
• ETC Video — educational technology consulting
• CILC Podcast Hub — past episodes, resources, and community: cilc.org/podcast

Host Links

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.