The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2009 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2009 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 1987, USDLA has been the world's premier distance learning association. The USDLA International Awards program honored outstanding individuals and organizations for excellence in the field distance learning, education and training.
These prestigious international awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Best Practice, Best Practice for Distance Learning Programming, Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, Hall of Fame and Eagle Awards.
The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning industry. “As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we enjoy honoring some of the leaders in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, chief executive officer of USDLA. “Each year these winners raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry as a whole and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance learning industry.”
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“Congratulations to each and every one of this year’s award winners. USDLA takes great pride and responsibility in recognizing excellence and quality that benefit the entire industry. The innovative spirit and leadership of these organizations will take our industry to new levels,” said Julie Young, president of USDLA and president/CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS).
For the 2009 international awards program, USDLA focused on several major areas that exemplify the dynamic nature of distance learning. Please join us in honoring the following 2009 USDLA award winners, which include the following:
Best Practices Awards for Distance Learning Programming
PLATINUM
Quantum Simulations, Inc.
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12
Cosi Columbus Electronic Education Program
Videoconferencing ~ Pre K-12
GOLD
Booz Allen Hamilton—Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
Online Technology ~ Corporate/Institutional
Kamehameha Schools
Distance Learning Program
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12
Louis H. Schilt Memorial Scholarship,
Sessions Online Schools of Art and Design
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Effective Engaging e-Learning Environment for Tennessee (E4TN)
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12
SILVER
United States Institute of Peace
Online Technology ~ Government
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Online Technology ~ PreK-12
BRONZE
THE Centernet 2 Project-Center for Rural Development, Somerset, Kentucky
Videoconferencing ~ Pre K-12/
Higher Education
UNCG Division of Continual Learning Online Development Team
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Best Practices Awards for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching
PLATINUM
Floyd Gary Walton, “Mr. G,”
Becon Distance Learning Teacher Videoconferencing ~ Pre K-12
Dr. Janice W. Butler,
University of Texas at Brownsville
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
GOLD
Gina M. Thames,
University of Texas at Arlington
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Jim Ellis,
Lamar State College
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
SILVER
Bonnie Dorman,
Lamar State College
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
BRONZE
Goutam Chakraborty,
Oklahoma State University
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
MU 400 – Graduate Theory Review
Dr. John H. Wallace, Boston University
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Frances Vandenheuvel—ODE Instructor Videoconferencing ~ Pre K – 12
Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning
Dr. Sanjeev Arora, Professor and Executive Vice-Chair of the Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Videoconferencing ~ Higher Education/Telehealth
Governor Beverly Perdue
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12/Higher Ed/Gov.
Christine Beischel, PhD, Dean of the College of Distributed Learning, Bellevue University
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
21ST Century Awards for Best Practices in Distance Learning
Navy eLearning
Online Technology ~ Government
Desire2Learn Incorporated
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12/Higher Ed./Corp.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Master of Engineering in Engine Systems
Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12
Center for International
Virtual Schooling (C4IVS)
Online Technology ~ Pre K – 12
Kryterion, Inc.
Online Technology ~ Pre K-12/
Higher Ed./Corp.
Arizona Telemedicine Program
Videoconferencing ~ Higher Education
Effective Engaging e-Learning Environment
for Tennessee (E4TN)
Online Technology ~ Pre K – 12
USDLA 2009 HALL OF FAME
Dr. Darcy W. Hardy, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Executive Director, UT TeleCampus, University of Texas System was selected by the USDLA board of directors for elevation to the USDLA Hall of Fame.
USDLA 2009 EAGLE AWARD
The Eagle Award is presented to a nationally recognized public official that has demonstrated unique leadership in the public policy arena and has a long-stand-ing record of educational technology support as well as the support of the USDLA mission, which includes serving the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. This year USDLA recognized North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue for her commitment to providing greater educational opportunities within her state.
Mr. Reggie Smith III, USDLA board member and chair of the awards committee, noted that, “Once again this year’s award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “We look forward to seeing how these leaders will inspire the 2010 award entries as they are recognized in Distance Learning Today to 3.5 million readers and via their participation in National Distance Learning Week (http://www.ndlw.org), November 9-13, 2009.”
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a nonprofit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre K-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org
