The IELA was founded in 2007 by David Guralnick, Michael E. Auer, A.Y. Al-Zoubi, and is incorporated in New York County in the state of New York, USA.

The specific goals of the IELA are to:

• Serve as a catalyst for the development and exchange of ideas among universities, educational institutions, government agencies, funding agencies, conferences, and businesses;
• Publish materials advancing the use of e-learning;
• Promote excellence in e-learning research, development and use;
• Disseminate information about e-learning opportunities and use to the public, the media, governments, and business and industry;
• Share and promote policies, procedures, and practices with respect to all matters regarding the use of e-learning; and
• Cooperate and liaise with related regional, national and international associations.