Call for Nominations – December 1, 2016 – February 24, 2017
The United States Distance Learning Association, the nation’s premier distance learning association since 1987 presents its NEWLY REVISED 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:
1) 21st Century Distance Learning Award (Revised)
2) Outstanding Leadership Award (Revised)
3) Innovation Award (Renamed/Revised)
4) Excellence in Teaching/Training Award (Revised)
5) Global Impact Award (New)
6) Student Achievement Award (New)
7) Quality Research Paper Award (New)
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 seven 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.
(Submit Awards Access Link Coming Soon)
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)
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)
Category IV – Excellence in Teaching/Training Award
The Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching/Training awards are given to outstanding 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 – 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)
(Submit Awards Access Link Coming Soon)
Award Entry Fees:
For Profit Fee: $200.00
Non Profit Fee: $100.00
USDLA Awards Committee:
Dr. Rhonda Blackburn, USDLA Board Member
Ms. Pam Birtolo, USDLA Board Member
Ms. Jenny Jopling, USDLA Chair Emeritus
Dr. Janine Lim, USDLA Board Member
Mrs. Julie Young, USDLA Chair Emeritus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there a space limitation for submissions in terms of number of pages or word count?
NO real page limits…just make sure to hit/answer the criteria and provide evidence, etc.
- For a “website” submission, does this mean the award nominator’s content can be put on the submitting company’s website and then can one send the URL to USDLA when inputting contact information online?
YES, you can put the URL in (Nomination Access Data / URL area) as you submit it online along with any login and password data. Good to add a word document as well to tell your story / answer the criteria if the site does not do it clearly. Use your website, blog, YouTube/Google video, Facebook, etc. to tell your story and just make sure you answer the areas noted in the criteria. We want you to be creative as you can.
- Is there a limitation on the number of web pages used to display the nomination content?
NO limit to the number of web pages.
- 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?
Arrange it based on the order of the criteria, but it really is your call on format, etc. It is up to you to organize the material in the way you think it will best reflect the judging attributes as well. Have some fun with it as long as you answer the criteria and provide any evidence you can to give the judges a good feel and picture for your submission.
- How can testimonials be submitted?
You can scan them in and save them as PDF and loaded with the submission.
- 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, etc. since my site is secure with no outside access?
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) on February 24, 2017.
- What is the cost and is it per award?
The costs are as shown below:
For Profit Fee: $200.00
Non Profit Fee: $100.00
Pre-K-12 Fee: $50.00
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.