How can E-Learning align with the goals and standards of the Digital Learning Innovation Award?

1 What is the DLIA?

The DLIA is sponsored by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a professional organization that promotes excellence and innovation in online and blended learning. The award has two categories: one for faculty-led projects and one for institutional initiatives. Each category has three subcategories: advancing teaching and learning, increasing access and affordability, and supporting student success. The award recipients are selected by a panel of experts based on the evidence of impact, scalability, and sustainability of their projects or initiatives.

2 How to apply for the DLIA?

The application process for the DLIA is simple and straightforward. You need to submit an online form that includes a brief description of your project or initiative, the goals and outcomes, the challenges and solutions, the evidence of effectiveness, and the plans for dissemination and scaling. You also need to provide a letter of support from your institution or organization, and a video or multimedia presentation that showcases your work. The deadline for the 2021 DLIA is September 15, 2021.

3 How to align your e-learning with the DLIA goals?

To align your e-learning with the DLIA goals, you need to demonstrate how your project or initiative addresses one or more of the following areas: enhancing the quality and effectiveness of online or blended learning, expanding the access and affordability of online or blended learning, or supporting the student success and retention in online or blended learning. You also need to provide evidence of the impact of your project or initiative on student learning outcomes, faculty development, institutional policies, or community engagement. You can use various methods and data sources to measure and document your impact, such as student feedback, learning analytics, course evaluations, retention rates, cost savings, or publications.

4 How to showcase your e-learning innovation?

To showcase your e-learning innovation, you need to create a compelling and concise video or multimedia presentation that highlights the key features and benefits of your project or initiative. You can use different formats and tools to create your presentation, such as slides, screencasts, podcasts, animations, or interactive demos. You should aim to tell a story that captures the attention and interest of your audience, and that illustrates the problem you solved, the solution you implemented, the results you achieved, and the lessons you learned. You should also include testimonials from students, faculty, or stakeholders who can attest to the value and impact of your work.

5 How to learn from the DLIA winners?

To learn from the DLIA winners, you can visit the OLC website and explore the profiles and presentations of the previous award recipients. You can also watch the webinars and interviews that feature the winners and their best practices. You can also join the OLC community and network with other e-learning innovators who can share their insights and experiences with you. You can also attend the OLC Accelerate conference, where the DLIA winners are announced and celebrated.

6 How to get ready for the DLIA?

To get ready for the DLIA, you need to start planning and preparing your application as soon as possible. You need to review the eligibility criteria, the application guidelines, and the evaluation rubric for the award. You need to identify the category and subcategory that best fit your project or initiative. You need to collect and organize the evidence and data that support your claims and outcomes. You need to draft and revise your written description and your letter of support. You need to design and produce your video or multimedia presentation. You need to submit your application before the deadline and wait for the notification of the finalists.