USDLA 2008 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 23, 2008 -- The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2008 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2008 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, CEO 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. In addition, winners will be recognized in an edition of USDLA’s Distance Learning Today quarterly supplement. Distance Learning Today appears in USA TODAY's top-tier markets for distance learning - major commuter hubs, convention centers and hotels. It is read by 3.5 million goal-oriented, affluent professionals who recognize the value of distance learning, education and training. The section will also be featured on the USDLA website, which averages 2.6 million hits per month.

For the 2008 International Awards program, USDLA focused upon several major areas that exemplifies the dynamic nature of distance learning. Please join us in honoring the following 2008 USDLA Award Winners, which include the following:

Best Practices Awards for Distance Learning Programming

PLATINUM

Quantum Simulations, Inc.

Online Technology ~ Pre K-12

A World of Difference Institute, Making Diversity Count

Online Technology ~ Organization

UNCG Division of Continual Learning Online Development Team

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Elementary Spanish – Step I, BJ HOMESAT

Video/Satellite ~ K-12-Homeschooling

GOLD

The Graphic Design Master’s Certificate Program, Sessions Online Schools of Art and Design

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Online Technology ~ Pre K - 12

SILVER

The National Nurse Emergency Preparedness Initiative, J. Johnson, E. Dawson, K. Acquaviva and L. Posey

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Connect for Education, Inc.

Online Technology ~ Pre K – 12

Aventa Learning High School Biology

Online Technology ~ Pre K – 12

1^st Grade Phonics and Reading, BJ HOMESAT

Video/Satellite ~ K-12-Homeschooling

Virtual High School Global Consortium

Online Technology ~ K-12

Athena Action in Education

Video Conferencing ~ Pre K – 12

BRONZE

Arkansas Department of Education Distance Learning Center

Video Conferencing ~ Pre K - 12

Center for Development of Human Services and OCFS Bureau of Training

Online Technology ~ Government

TRC Interactive, Inc.

Online Technology ~ Corporation

Drexel University’s - School of Education, Master of Science in Higher Education

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Dr. Samuel B. Slike and Pamela D. Berman, Bloomsburg University

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Best Practices Awards for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching

PLATINUM

Professor Debra J. Dewitte, University of Texas at Arlington

Online Technology – Higher Education

Tony Duncan

Video Conferencing ~ Pre K-12

Tom Young, iQ Academy Wisconsin

Online Technology ~ Pre K-12

GOLD

Cynthia D. Green

Video Conferencing ~ Pre K - 12

Dr. Margaret Riel

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Gabriela Hogue, ODE Spanish Instructor

Video Conferencing ~ Pre K - 12

Dr. Patricia McGee

Online Technology ~ Higher Education

SILVER

Diane Zorn, Course Director, Philosophy Program, School of Arts & Letters at York University

Online Technology ~ Higher ED

Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning

Gail Wheatley - Video Conferencing ~ Pre K - 12

Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Keith Oelrich - Online Technology~ Pre K-12

Marilyn Mosley Gordanier - Online Technology ~ Pre K-12

Lance Ford - Video Conferencing ~ Pre K-12

Dr. Janet Schnitz - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Janine Lim - Video Conferencing ~ Pre K-12

Dr. Ron Legon - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Anton Leof - Online Technology ~ Pre K-12

Chris Robbins - Video Conferencing ~ Pre K-12

Francisco Antonio Soeltl - E-Learning Brasil President and CEO - Country Leadership in Distance Learning Implementation ~ Private Sector

Dr. Thomas Kenan Miller III - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

21^st Century Awards for Best Practices in Distance Learning

Keystone National High School - Online Technology ~ Pre K – 12

C² Technologies, Inc. - Blended Learning ~ Corporation

Western Governors University - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

Virtual High School Global Consortium - Online Technology ~ Pre K - 12

Webcampus at Stevens Institute of Technology - Online Technology ~ Higher Education

7city Learning - Online Technology ~ Corporation

Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability’s Joint Knowledge Online - Online Technology ~ Government / Military

Army Distributed Learning System - Online Technology ~ Government / Military

USDLA 2008 HALL OF FAME
Elliott Masie, Founder and President, The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs, New York was selected by the USDLA board of directors for elevation to the USDLA Hall of Fame.

USDLA 2008 EAGLE AWARD
The Eagle Award was presented by USDLA to a nationally recognized public official that demonstrated unique leadership in distance learning. This year USDLA recognized Florida Senator Daniel Webster for his commitment to providing greater educational opportunities in his state by means of distance learning technology and especially his support of the Florida Virtual School.

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 2009 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 10-14, 2008.”

NEW: DISTANCE LEARNING 2012 STUDY

The demand for distance learning has increased exponentially over the last decade. People continue to take advantage of distance learning that allows them to learn at their convenience. Today, more than 96% of the nation’s colleges and universities offer some form of online learning. In 2005 - 2006, The Sloan Consortium estimated that over 3 million students were enrolled in online university courses and over 700,000 K-12 students took at least one online or blended course. Given the increasingly competitive nature of this field, institutions that offer distance learning must further distinguish themselves to maintain a leading position.

Prospective students are looking for institutions that offer high quality education delivered whenever and wherever they need it. As the potential number of students increases within the various markets, institutions must be on the forefront of providing distance education to multiple audiences. Figure 1 shows the potential audiences and the multiple ways learning can be delivered.

With the continued growth of organizations offering quality online education programs, only those institutions that offer desirable programs will be thriving in the future.

The pioneers in distance education were remarkably successful by simply providing basic courses. The quality of the courses and faculty has always been as important as classes being available in a forum that was convenient to the students. The marketplace for distance learning has evolved and now schools must be recognized leaders in the field to prosper in the next decade. For a promising future in distance education, organizations will require expertise in marketing as well as large financial investments in technology, course development and faculty. Are you prepared to ensure success as students’ demands shift in distance education?

The Distance Learning 2012 Study will examine the necessary steps to ensure success into the next decade. This report will provide universities and corporations with data-driven insight and strategic recommendations on opportunities in the growing distance learning market. The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and The Hale Group have assembled a group of highly regarded experts in the field of distance learning to address this growing phenomenon of students pursuing nontraditional methods of learning. This study will answer several key questions, laying a framework for future success.

Some of the key questions that will be addressed in the Distance Learning 2012 Study include:

1. How should your institution be positioned for a possible decline in the student population?

2. What are the keys to expanding an existing distance learning program beyond the current geography?

3. How will future advances in technology change the options in which students learn?

4. What will the future impact of government policy be on the distance learning community?

5. What are the current business models in distance education and how successful will they be over the next five years?

The future of distance education is continuing to evolve and institutions must develop “out-of-the-box” opportunities for continued growth in revenue and student enrollment. The Distance Learning 2012 Study will evaluate the necessary steps for institutions and corporations to capitalize on students shifting away from traditional learning environments into avenues that provide convenience and flexibility.

For more information visit: http://www.distancelearning2012.com/