The United States Distance Learning Association, the nation’s premier distance learning association since 1987 presents its International Distance Learning Awards Program, the premier awards for the distance learning industry.
These prestigious awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals, and recognize seven categories of excellence:
- 21st Century Distance Learning Award
- Outstanding Leadership Award
- Innovation Award
- Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
- Impact Award
- Student Achievement Award
- Quality Research Paper Award
The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards are created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary achievements through the use of online, videoconferencing, and satellite/video delivery technologies globally.
The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards are presented to five major sectors of distance learning, education and training to include the Pre-K – 12, Higher Education, Corporate, Government and Telehealth markets.
The USDLA International Awards will be presented at the USDLA International Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2020 during the USDLA National Conference being held in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Award Details
Category I – 21st Century Distance Learning Award
21st Century Distance Learning
Western Governors University
This award is given to an agency, institution, or company that has shown outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning. The award recognizes pioneering organizations in the field that have changed distance learning, challenged existing practice, or developed new and effective solutions.
Cat. I – 21st Century Distance Learning Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category II – Outstanding Leadership Award
Individual leaders must be recognized for a level of performance that excels in their organization, reaching out through mentoring, sharing, and collaboration. These leaders are also active in the field of distance learning through professional affiliation and external collaboration.
Cat. II – Outstanding Leadership Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category III – Innovation Award
Innovation, Corporate
Veracity Learning LRS
Veracity Technology Consultants
Innovation, K-12
Samuel Mormando
Garnet Valley School District
Innovation, Military/Government
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Innovation Telehealth
Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health
Innovation, Higher Education
Dr. Papiya Bhattacharee
Center for Online Continuing Education, Florida Atlantic
The award is given to an organization, an individual, a project, an initiative, a disruptive technology, or a unique pedagogy. The award nomination exhibits innovative approaches to the delivery of distance learning. One award is given each year in each USDLA constituency: K12, Higher education, Corporate training, Telehealth, and Military/Government.
Cat. III – Innovation Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category IV – Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
Excellence in Teaching/Training, K-12
Melissa Martin, Florida Virtual School
Excellence in Teaching/Training Higher Education
Dr. Karabi Bezboruah University of Texas at Arlington
Excellence in Teaching/Training, Corporate/Non-Profit
Elyse Wagner, Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
The Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching/Training awards are given to an outstanding individual or team of individuals whose teaching demonstrates extraordinary achievements. The teaching or training must demonstrate effective learning facilitated through technology with measurable outcomes. One award is offered each year for each USDLA constituency: K12, Higher education, Corporate training, Telehealth, and Military/Government.
Cat. IV – Excellence in Teaching/Training Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category V – Impact Award
Impact
Drake University, Online Cultural Awareness Training
Des Moines Regional Police Academy Cadets
This award is given to honor outstanding projects featuring significant impact, reach, and understanding of diverse cultures, originating either in the U.S. or internationally; and extending across two or more organizations.
Cat. V – Impact Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category VI – Student Achievement Award
This award is given to a student who has exhibited leadership and creativity in using distance learning technologies.
Cat. VI – Student Achievement Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Category VII – Quality Research Paper Award
This award is given to the author(s) of a high quality research paper that advances the field of distance learning. Manuscript Preparation Guidelines (PDF)
Cat. VII – Quality Research Paper Award Criteria Form (PDF)
Hall of Fame Dr. Gerry Hanley, Merlot and SkillsCommons
Hall of Fame Dr. Rhonda Blackburn, Ignite Nation
Eagle Award Arizona Senator, Kyrsten Sinema