Background Information

The Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks was formed in 1997.

This current version of the WADEN web site was launched in coordination with the completion of the BadgerNet Converged Network (BCN) which was piloted and installed during 2005-2006. The WADEN web site was first launched in October 1997, updated in July 1998, revised in 2003 and totally revamped in 2006. WADEN network directors and staff provide much of the data for the ongoing revisions to the web site. Historically, documents from the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board were used as a basis for the original WADEN web site and for the original email discussion group.

The WADEN-list listserv was created in 1997. It is a subscriber-only, unmoderated email list used by WADEN members and others interested in WADEN. Another listerv, the WADEN Directors list, was started in 2002. It is open to only to network directors and is managed by CESA 3.

The WADEN Database was retired in 2006. The first data collections efforts for the Database began with Fall 1998 classes. Its final version of 4.0 was launched in September, 2004. Data collection efforts ended with records entered for Spring, 2005. The WADEN Database provided information about events offered on the WADEN networks. Each network updated and provided its own program information in the Database. With the advent of BCN and the Renovo scheduling software, the WADEN Database was no longer needed. Records for all past entries were archived and the database is no longer available online.

The WADEN web site, the WADEN-list, and the WADEN Database are maintained by the University of Wisconsin-Extension with the help and cooperation of WADEN members.

For further information about WADEN or its membership, please contact any of the WADEN Officers.