Thank You to our USDLA 2018 Awards Program Sponsor
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
- Global 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 Monday, May 1, 2017 during the USDLA National Conference being held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Award Details
Category I – 21st Century Distance Learning Award
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)
Winner – Natalie Murray WGU 21st Century Award
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
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)
Winner – Tom Miller K-12 Innovate Award
Winner – Nicolaas Matthijs HE Innovate Award
Winner – James Rawus Military Innovate Award
Category IV – Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
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)
Winner – Missy Daley K-12 Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
Winner – Stacy Southerland HE Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
Category V – Global Impact Award
This award is given to honor outstanding projects featuring global impact, reach, and understanding of diverse cultures, originating either in the U.S. or internationally.
Cat. V – Global 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)
Winners – Bonny Kehm and Patricia Cannistraci Quality Research Paper Award
Award Entry Fees:
- Nominee is a USDLA Member: $100.00
- Nominee is not a USDLA Member: $200.00 (includes one USDLA individual membership)
Award Timeline:
- Award submissions are due January 26, 2018
- Award nominees are notified by February 15, 2018
- Award ceremony is April 30, 2018
Award Questions:
- Email info@usdla.org or call 1.617.399.1770.
USDLA Awards Committee:
- Dr. Rhonda Blackburn, USDLA Board Member
- Dr. Janine Lim, USDLA Board Member
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 March 31, 2017, 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 January 12, 2018.
- What is the cost and is it per award?
The costs are as shown below:
Nominee is a USDLA Member: $100.00
Nominee is not a USDLA Member: $200.00 (includes one USDLA individual membership)
Yes, the fees are per each entry.
- 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.