USDLA 2009 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 29, 2009 -- 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, 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.

"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 upon 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 ~ Prek-12

Silver

United States Institute of Peace

Online Technology ~ Government

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Online Technology ~ Prek-12

Bronze

The CenterNET2 Project-Center for Rural Development, Somerset, Kentucky

Videoconferencing ~ Prek-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, Ph.D., 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-standing 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 non-profit 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.

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