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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.
The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards welcomes nominations from constituents in Pre-K – 12, Higher Education, Federal Civilian, Federal Military, Corporate, and Telehealth markets where the entity has made forward strides in distance learning, education, research and/or training.
These prestigious awards are presented annually to organizations/corporations and individuals, and recognize three categories of excellence:
- Innovation in Distance Education
- Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
- Quality Research Award
Awards will be presented as Gold, Silver and Bronze across constituencies for each category on July 20th 2022 at the International Awards Dinner in Nashville, TN during our National Conference.
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, augmented, virtual reality, videoconferencing, and satellite/video delivery technologies globally.
Award Categories:
Innovation in Distance Learning Award
The Innovation in Distance Learning award is given to an agency, institution, company, project or unique pedagogy that has shown innovation in the field of distance learning. The award recognizes pioneering initiatives in the field that have profoundly changed distance learning, existing practice, or developed new and effective solutions.
Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching/Training Award
The Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching/Training award is 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.
Quality Research Award
The Quality Research Award is given to a person(s) or organization(s) that currently conducts research in the field of distance education. The award recognizes high quality research that serves to advance the field of distance learning.
Award Entry Fees
As a special thank you from USDLA to celebrate our 35th anniversary, there will be no entry fee required for submissions this year
Award Timeline:
- Award submissions are due Friday March 25, 2022
- Winners will be notified the week of April 5th 2022
- Awards will be presented at the 2022 National Conference in Nashville, TN on July 20th 2022
Award Questions
- Email Wendy Pate at wpate@usdla.org
USDLA Awards Committee:
- Ms. Wendy Pate, Awards Chairwoman, USDLA Board Member
- Ms. Janine Lim, USDLA Advisory Board
- Mr. Jeff Dungan, USDLA Advisory Board
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a space limitation for submissions in terms of number of pages or word count?
NO page limits…just make sure to hit/answer the criteria and provide evidence, etc.
Is there a specific format in which the nominator’s content should be arranged? For example, is it up to the submitter to organize the material in the best way that reflects the judging attributes?
Submit a nomination overview. Write a narrative that summarizes the project, program, person, etc. Include a paragraph for each rubric criteria explaining how this nomination meets that criteria and referencing each evidence document that supports the criteria.
You can upload unlimited evidence files. The file name for each evidence document should represent which criteria the evidence accompanies.
All files must be uploaded into the reviewer site. No website submissions are accepted.
Any evidence not already in an electronic format may be scanned and submitted as a PDF.
When will award winners be notified?
By week of April 5th, 2022, USDLA will notify winners and non-winners by phone and/ or e-mail with follow-up letters.
How secure will my material be?
All entries and related courses, material and content are kept confidential for judging purposes only.
Can I submit an award on behalf of my client?
Yes, you can submit a nomination on behalf of your client. Please note that for US government entries, you may have to consult your legal team regarding legal gift restrictions.
Is there a limit to the number of submissions an organization can submit?
NO
Can I load screen shots of my website, module?
Yes, you can load them in the award system as an example or insert them in your narrative to demonstrate or showcase certain features you want the judges to view.
What is the absolute latest time I can submit my award?
You should submit all award submission midnight (ET) by Friday March 25th, 2022.
What is the cost and is it per award?
There are no costs to submit an award this year
Can I mail additional material or copies of my submission(s) to USDLA for consideration?
NO submission(s) will be accepted via mail. All entries and related material must be submitted online via the awards website.