Apply for the Distance Education Best Practices Award – Deadline is June 1st

Also from Friday’s inbox…  Would be nice to see some K-12 online learning submissions…

IAP-DDL Distance Education Best Practices Award

The practice that is submitted can be any aspect of distance education that would qualify as a Best Practice. This means that it can serve as an example that can be emulated by others based on the description submitted.

The example that is submitted may be one that is used online, in a CD-ROM/DVD, or within video-based courses.

To nominate a Best Practice please submit an application document of no more than 2 pages with Practice Title, a description describing how the course addresses the Best Practices Award criteria, the product materials or URL with guest access information to the award coordinators Jennifer Richardson and Taeho Yu at jennrich@purdue.edu & yu134@purdue.edu.

Further details can be found here or by contacting the coordinators:

Award Criteria & Other Important Information

Below are the criteria used to judge the submissions for this award.
1. Practice in use within 3 years prior to conference at which the award is given
2. Format: Practice description summary provided in 800- 1000 words or less; word count provided by author
3. The practice illustrations or examples consistent with exemplary, professional practice
4. The distance education instructional is context described (institution, learners, faculty, teachers, administrators, course or instructional purpose, etc.)
5. Summary states briefly what the purpose or benefit of the practice is
6. Summary provides evidence of effectiveness
7. Practice quality based on the supporting documentation including easy access for all reviewers to review practice example online, or on CD/DVD.
8. Purpose to addresses a distance education issue, practice, or framework that appeals to
9. Practice grounded in scholarly, professional literature.

Submission due June 1, 2013!

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The Association for Educational Communications & Technology
320 W. 8th St. Ste 101
Bloomington, Indiana 47404

Office: 812-335-7675
Fax: 812-335-7678
Toll-Free 1-877-677-2328
aect@aect.org

PRESS RELEASE: USDLA 2013 International Awards Presented for Excellence in Distance Learning for Individuals, Organizations and Companies Honoring their Outstanding Achievements.

From Tuesday’s inbox….

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Press Release USDLA 2013 International Awards Presented for Excellence in Distance Learning for Individuals, Organizations and Companies Honoring their Outstanding Achievements. World’s most prestigious distance learning awards were presented yesterday in St. Louis, Missouri for excellence in distance learning to individuals, organizations and companies. St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) April 30, 2013 — The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2013 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2013 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. 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 Practices, Best Practices for Distance Learning Programming, Best Practices for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, Hall of Fame and the Eagle for an elected official.   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, Executive Director 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.   “This year’s USDLA Awards recipients represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field.  The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning.  We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Dr. Rob Robinson, President of USDLA.   For the 2013 International Awards program, USDLA focused upon several major areas that exemplify the dynamic nature of distance learning. Please join us in honoring the following 2013 USDLA Award Winners, which include the following:   ==============================================   BEST PRACTICES AWARDS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMMING   PLATINUM Florida Virtual School and Toolwire Online Technology ~ K-12   GOLD Professional Development Program – Rockefeller College – University at Albany Online Technology ~ Higher Education   SILVER VUC Storstrom Videoconferencing Technology ~ Adult Education   BRONZE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / IT Workforce Development in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton Online Technology ~ Government/Corporate   ==============================================   BEST PRACTICES AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN DISTANCE LEARNING TEACHING   PLATINUM Dr. Peggy Semingson, University of Texas Arlington Online Technology ~ Higher Education   GOLD Sarah Garman, Miami Dade College Online Technology ~ Higher Education   SILVER Sarah Adams, Savannah College of Art and Design Online Technology ~ Higher Education   BRONZE Brenda Wallace, Mosaica Online Online Technology ~ K-12 Education   ==============================================   OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP BY AN INDIVIDUAL IN THE FIELD OF DISTANCE LEARNING   Allison Reaves, South Carolina Connections Academy Charter School Online Technology ~ K-12 Education   Dr. Pete Smith, University of Texas Arlington Online Technology ~ Higher Education   Dr. Dawn D. Eidelman, Mosaica Education, Inc. and Paragon Curriculum Online Technology ~ K-12 Education   ==============================================   21ST CENTURY AWARDS FOR BEST PRACTICES IN DISTANCE LEARNING   Western Governors University Online Technology~ Higher Education   Booz Allen Hamilton Online Technology ~ Corporate   Stevens Institute of Technology – Webcampus Division Online Technology ~ Higher Education   ==============================================   USDLA 2013 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES   Dr. Susan C. Aldridge American Association of State Colleges and Universities   Dr. Mark David Milliron Western Governors University   Ronald S. Weinstein, MD University of Arizona   ==============================================   USDLA 2013 EAGLE AWARD     Senator Kelli Stargel (R) State of Florida Dr. Denzil Edge, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, “This year’s award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “I also look forward to seeing these leaders again during National Distance Learning Week (http://www.usdla.org/ndlw/), November 11-15, 2013.” About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.  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 # # #   Contact: USDLA HQ United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) E-mail: info@usdla.org http://www.usdla.org 1-800-275-5162

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Looking for Nominations for IAP-DDL-AECT Crystal Award

And another from Friday’s inbox…

IAP-DDL-AECT Crystal Award

If you have an innovative, multi-media, distance learning course or project, consider nominating it for the Crystal Award by emailing to Larisa Olesova and Scarlett Winters at lolesova@gmail.com & tawinter@umail.iu.edu

For more information check it at: http://tinyurl.com/ddlcrystalaward

Thanks

Larisa and Scarlett
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The Association for Educational Communications & Technology
1800 North Stonelake Drive
P.O. Box 2447
Bloomington, Indiana 47402

Office: 812-335-7675
Fax: 812-335-7678
Toll-Free 1-877-677-2328
aect@aect.org

SREB News: FL, NC, CA Teachers Named National Online Teacher of the Year Finalists

From Thursday’s inbox…

Finalists Announcement for SREB/iNACOL National Online Teacher of the Year

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2013 NOTY Finalists Contact SREB for photos.Contact Beth Day SREB Communications Director (404) 879-5544 Matlea Parker SREB NOTY Program Manager (404) 879-5595 The Southern Regional Education Board works with 16 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Based in Atlanta, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to help leaders in education and government advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region. iNACOL is the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, a nonprofit membership association based in the Washington, D.C., area. Its more than 3,100 members represent a diverse cross-section of K-12 education from school districts, charter schools, state education agencies, nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, research institutions, corporate entities, and other content and technology providers. SREB, iNACOL Announce Finalists for National Online K-12 Teacher of the Year Award Atlanta — January 30, 2013 — Three finalists for the National Online Teacher of the Year Award for K-12 online learning were announced today by the two nonprofit organizations that present the honor, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). One of these finalists will be named 2013 National Online Teacher of the Year on March 7. The SREB/iNACOL National Online Teacher of the Year Award is the national award to recognize an outstanding online teacher for exceptional quality in online K-12 education. This year’s judging committee evaluated 49 nominations of online educators in public schools and state virtual schools from 19 states to make the selections. The finalists are: Renee Citlau, Cypress High School in California’s Anaheim Union High School District Jennifer Currin, North Carolina Virtual Public School Michelle Licata, Florida Virtual School “Learning from America’s very best online teachers can help us improve online teaching and standards for classrooms across the country in this fast-growing field,” said Joan Lord, SREB vice president for education policies. “These teachers are leading the way to individualize instruction, bring specialized courses to more students, and get students excited about learning.””The NOTY Award is a highlight of every year,” said Susan Patrick, president and CEO of iNACOL. “Teaching in online and blended learning environments demands diverse talents, dedication and, above all, a commitment to personalizing the education of each student as an individual. All of this year’s finalists represent the very best in all of these areas to be found across the field.” All three 2013 finalists will be honored and the winner will receive a custom crystal “flame of excellence” sculpture at an awards dinner March 7, during the SREB Education Technology Cooperative’s Symposium on Virtual Teaching and Learning at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. The winner will also receive a trip to the Virtual School Symposium sponsored by iNACOL October 27-30 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to numerous speaking appearances in support of online learning, the winner will be recognized during the iNACOL Annual Meeting and featured on the SREB and iNACOL websites. Sponsors of the award are AT&T, Blackboard Collaborate, Florida Virtual School, Pearson Foundation, SAS and VSCHOOLZ. About the finalists Renee Citlau of Anaheim, California, is an online business teacher at Cypress High School and lead online teacher in the Anaheim Union High School District. She sees online learning as a transformational way to serve students who are disengaged from traditional schools; make curriculum accessible to English learners, special-needs, and gifted and talented students; and provide equitable access to specialized courses. “Online learning has the potential to transform education from a 20th-century, teacher-directed model to a 21st-century, student-directed model,” she said. “It gives students choice in learning and integrates skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.” A 16-year teaching veteran, Citlau has taught online for six years. She piloted the district’s first online class in 2007, after her study in a master of arts in educational technology leadership program showed her the potential to engage dissatisfied students. She also helps skilled classroom teachers learn to blend online tools into their classrooms and to teach online. She is a Leading Edge Certification trainer and active member of Computer Using Educators, the International Society for Technology in Education and the International Association for K12 Online Learning. In 2012, she won the Computer Using Educators and California Learning Resource Network Online Teacher of the Year Award. She was Cypress High’s 2008 Teacher of the Year. Jennifer Currin of Wilmington, North Carolina, has worked as an online English teacher at North Carolina Virtual Public School for three years and has been a teacher since 2003. Learning, she says, is not one-size-fits-all. She differentiates instruction to help special-needs students with disabilities complete the same curriculum as regular-education students. In credit recovery classes, she works with students who have never known success in the course she is teaching online.“They come to me jaded, discouraged and unsure of their own potential. They need that second chance. They need a personalized learning experience,” she said. “It is in the online classroom that I am able to give these students and their families the one-on-one attention and help that they need.” “I saw this in my face-to-face classroom as well, but I never really learned how to differentiate,” Currin said. “It was in the online classroom that I learned how to create a community of learners, utilize data and engage students.” Continual innovation is key to the success of online education, she said, to stay one step ahead of other providers as the broad adoption of the Common Core State Standards creates opportunity for both competition and collaboration. Michelle Licata of Tamarac, Florida, has taught history and psychology at Florida Virtual School since 2006. Online teaching, she says, allows her to create customized pathways for students who learn in different ways. At the outset, she identifies a student’s struggles or particular learning style, then focuses specific content and personalized feedback to help the student master the topic. “I am able to provide each student a front-row seat, an experience contoured for [his or her] learning style,” she said. “I became a Florida Virtual School teacher to spend one-on-one time with students, to build a rapport with my students and their families, and to create the opportunity for students in this 21st-century world to learn in a 21st-century classroom.” A National Board Certified teacher and 2012 Florida Virtual School Teacher of the Year, she has taught since 1997 and moved to online teaching in 2006. She coaches and mentors new and seasoned teachers to use technology to balance work and home life so they can work smarter, and she serves as an advocate for Florida’s online teachers. “I believe online learning can be the door to the world for all children, regardless of social class, living conditions or physical location,” she said. “We are the key to opening the doors to the world.” ###

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2013 AWARDS LATE NIGHT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Webinar – Feb. 1, 2013, 10 p.m. (ET) ==== OPEN CALL: 2013 USDLA International Distance Learning Awards (Due Feb. 11, 2013)

From yesterday’s inbox…

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Dear USDLA Members, Late Night Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Webinar. Do you have questions regarding the awards program? Have questions on the submission process? etc. Join me for a late night webinar to review the award categories and to answer your questions. Date: February 1, 2013 Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Time Zone(ET) RSVP: Send an email ( rsmith@usdla.org ) with your contact information   and I will reply with the access information.    ==================================================== 2013 International Distance  Learning Awards Call for Nominations - November 5, 2012 – February 11, 2013  Submissions Include but Not Only Limited to the Following: Mobile Learning – Augmented Reality – Satellite-Based Training – Online Learning – Game-Based Learning, Blended Learning – Videoconferencing – Telehealth – Streaming – Virtual Worlds – Computer-Based Training – etc.  The United States Distance Learning Association, the nation’s premier distance learning association since 1987 presents its 2013 International Distance Learning Awards, the premier awards for the distance learning industry. These prestigious awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals, and recognize four categories of excellence: 1) 21st Century Best Practice Award; 2) Best Practice Awards for Distance Learning Programming; 3) Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching Awards; and 4) Outstanding Leadership by an Individual Award. The USDLA International Distance Learning 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 achievements through the use of online, videoconferencing, and satellite/video delivery technologies globally. Our 2012 International Award Winners  (Full List) The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards will honor organizations with its 21 Century Best Practice Awards. This award category recognizes outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning for an agency, institution, or company incorporating blended or individual distance learning technologies. In addition, the Awards for Best Practice in Distance Learning Programming are presented to outstanding organizations, which have designed and delivered outstanding and comprehensive Best Practices for individual programs or a series of programs through online, videoconferencing, and satellite delivery technologies. Award levels include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. The Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching Awards will honor outstanding instructors whose programs demonstrate extraordinary achievements in a distance learning environment for teachers or trainers. Award levels include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. Finally, the Outstanding Leadership by an Individual awards recognize those who have demonstrated strong, innovative skills for the development and/or administration of programs or who are recognized scholars in the field of distance learning globally. Full List of Award Categories and Rubrics (Click Here) and/or Submit Your 2013 Nomination Today (Click Here) The 2013 USDLA International Distance Learning Awards are presented to five major sectors of distance education and training and include the Pre-K – 12, Higher Education, Corporate, Government and Telehealth markets. The 2013 USDLA International Awards will be presented at the USDLA International Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2013 during the USDLA National Conference being held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Submit Your 2013 Nomination Today (Click Here) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 1. What options are available for submitting an entry so judges can evaluate them online? a. When you submit your entry there is a place for you to put the URL w/ logon & password info for judges to access your site. b. You can insert screen shots in your submission to show areas you wish to highlight. c. You can also do a YouTube/Google video of it to show off various functions or areas you wish to draw attention to based on your responses to the criteria. Plug the URL in for judges to see as well. 2. 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. There is a 5 MB limitation for a PDF. P.S. Always good to not kill the judges with 250 pages of stuff as well:))) 3. 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 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. 4. Is there a limitation on the number of web pages used to display the nomination content? NO limit to the number of web pages. 5.   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. 6. How can testimonials be submitted? You can scan them in and save them as PDF. The system will take PDF, .doc or image uploads. 7. When will award winners be notified? By March 10, 2012, USDLA will notify winners and non-winners by phone and/ or e-mail with follow-up letters. 8. How secure will my material be? All entries and related courses, material and content are kept confidential for judging purposes only. 9. 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. 10. Is there a limit to the number of submissions an organization can submit? NO 11. 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. 12. What is the absolute latest time I can submit my award? All award submission should be submitted by 12 midnight (ET) on February 11, 2013. 13. What is the cost and is it per award? The costs are as shown below: a.   For Profit Fee: $200.00 b.   Non Profit Fee: $100.00 c.   Pre-K-12 Fee: $50.00 Yes, the fees are per each entry. 14. 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. 15. Can I work on my submission over time? Yes, after completing the first (contact) page and selecting the “next” button…you will be able to select a “save and exit” button. This will allow the system to save your information and send you an email with a URL, login and password. You will be able to continue working on and/or complete your submission. After 12 midnight (ET) on February 11th this feature will be locked for 2013. United States Distance Learning Association(USDLA) 76 Canal Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114 1.800.275.5162 www.usdla.org Disclaimer If you have received this e-mail in error or wish to be removed from the distribution list please hit the (unsubscribe) link below and then delete the message. We have taken precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting software viruses but we advise that you carry out your own virus checks on any attached message.  Please be advised that USDLA and its affiliates do not sell mailing lists or provide customer information to other organizations. Your e-mail address is used to maintain member and customer contact information and provide notification of new distance learning, education and training news, activities and events.About USDLA The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization 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 education 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.

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