The following submission formats are invited.

Concurrent information sessions provide an opportunity 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, thought-provoking, 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, a process, research, or other activity. During the reception before the Awards Dinner on Tuesday evening, Conference participants will visit with poster session presenters for information, dialogue, and networking.

Small panels are also encouraged, particularly those that address a Conference topic from several points of view.

Submission Deadline for all formats is 17 December 2010.

Submissions are invited in relation to the following Conference Tracks. Please remember to incorporate the overall Conference theme when possible.

Track 1: Leading Distance Learning in the 21st Century

Track 2: Research and Evaluation Processes

Track 3: Professional Development

Track 4: Best and Promising Practices in Distance Teaching and Learning

Track 5: Technology: Changes and Challenges

The Conference will provide a standard set up (LCD data/video projector and screen). If Internet access is needed, this has to be stated clearly in the proposal. Presenters are expected to provide their own laptop computer. Session can be presented in a virtual classroom setting.

Members of the USDLA 2011 Conference Program Committee will review each proposal. 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, and organization
• evidence of innovation and effective practice
• audience appeal and opportunity for discussion

Status of Proposals and Notification


The 2011 Program Committee will review proposals and contact authors by 15 January 2011. If a proposal is accepted, the lead presenter will receive an email containing information relevant to the presentation. Presenters are eligible for the Early Bird registration rate (even after the close of Early Bird registration).