CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Submission Deadline: December 18, 2009
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the 2010 Annual Conference. Proposals are now being accepted based on the 2010 theme, "Distance Learning: Diverse, Innovative, Efficient, and Sustainable." We invite your proposals and participation in this exciting and important event. There is also a new and unique opportunity this year to present your session in our virtual classroom setting. You will be able to note your interest in the call for proposal link below.
There are several ways to participate:
- Concurrent information sessions provide an opportunity for you to give an interactive presentation in one or more of the conference topic areas. Conference attendees expect sessions to provide practical advice and the sharing of experiences. The committee seeks high quality and interactive sessions not lecture format. Co-presenters are encouraged.
- Poster sessions allow presenters to prepare a standing table-top poster that describes a project, process, or other activity. During the poster session times, conference participants will visit with poster session presenters for information discussion and networking.
- Small panels are also encouraged, particularly those that address a conference topic from several points of view.
Conference Tracks
You are invited to submit proposals that address any of the conference topics outlined below. Please remember to incorporate the overall conference theme when possible.Track 1: Advances and Research in eLearning
Track 1 focuses on sharing the latest research and validated innovations that are coming out of education, business, and the military as it relates to distance learning.
Track 2: Professional Development via Distance Learning
Track 2 focuses on the efficient training opportunities available to online professionals to help them become experts in their field. Sessions could answer the following questions: How does your organization train your instructors to become online facilitators? What types of professional development opportunities are available to support instructors once they have begun training? How do you introduce and support 21st century skills to professionals trained using 20th century models?
Track 3: Innovative Practices in Distance Teaching and Learning
The focus for Track 3 relates to validated practices and procedures, including globally, being used throughout K-12, Higher Education (private & public), military, government and corporate training/education entities, giving special attention to various approaches to teaching students. This should look at best practices and practical techniques that instructors of all areas can implement within their teaching and training.
Track 4: Sustainable Technology Innovation
Track 4 promotes the exchange of information among trainers/educators throughout K-12, Higher Education (private & public), military, government, and corporate entities that explores technology in advancing the practices and procedures of online learning.
Track 5: Diverse Strategies in Addressing Contemporary Distance Learning Issues
Track 5 encourages examples of how distance education is working to address contemporary issues relating to the current economic crisis. This should look at diverse and efficient strategies, including globally being used in business, education, government and military. For example, using distance education as it relates to "going green", increased online administrative requirements, communication alternatives, etc.
Types of Sessions
- Concurrent Sessions
- Poster Sessions
- Panels
Equipment
The conference will provide a standard set up (LCD data/video projector and screen). We have limited space for sessions that require Internet connectivity. You are encouraged to use screen shots or CD-ROMs if possible. If you must have Internet access, please state that clearly in your proposal. You will need to provide your own laptop computer.Preparing Your Proposal
All Conference proposals should be submitted using the online submission form by clicking on the following link:http://www.conconnect.net/rfp.aspx?yr=2010&id=001
For your information, the automated proposal submission system will ask you for the following information:
- Contact Information: the name and full contact information for the lead presenter and any co-presenters
- Session Title: a succinct, but descriptive title of no more than ten words
- Format: concurrent session, poster session, or panel
- Abstract: 50-word (or less) description of the session
- Content: a clear summary of the session in 300-500 words
- Conference Topic(s): session can cover more than one topic
- Audience Focus by Constituency: USDLA serves multiple constituencies, including K-12, higher education, corporate, government, military, telehealth, and international. Please tell us who would benefit from your session (may be more than one group).
- Audiovisual: needs that are beyond the standard setup of projector and screen. If you need Internet access for your session, you must include that information in your proposal. We cannot accommodate requests made during the conference.
- Virtual Session/ Live Feed: opportunity to offer your session in a virtual classroom with live feed from St. Louis.
Review Criteria
Conference participants will expect well-delivered presentations containing quality information that is of practical value to their day-to-day professional lives. Members of the USDLA 2010 Conference Program Committee will review each proposal. Reviewers will look for clear descriptions. Considerable weight will be given to proposals that specify session learning objectives and clearly describe why the content will be valuable to attendees. Specifically, reviewers will look for the following:- Relevance to the conference theme
- Quality of the presentation: substance, clarity, organization
- Evidence of innovation and effective practice
- Audience appeal and opportunity for discussion