The USDLA International Distance Learning 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 achievements through the use of online, videoconferencing, and satellite/video delivery technologies globally.

The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards will honor organizations with its 21st Century Best Practice Awards. This award category recognizes outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning for an agency, institution, or company incorporating blended or individual distance-learning technologies. In addition, the Awards for Best Practice in Distance Learning Programming are presented to outstanding organizations that have designed and delivered outstanding and comprehensive Best Practices for individual programs or a series of programs through online, videoconferencing, or satellite delivery technologies.

Award levels include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. The Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching Awards will honor outstanding instructors whose programs demonstrate extraordinary achievements in a distance-learning environment for teachers or trainers. Award levels include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. Finally, the Outstanding Leadership by an Individual awards recognize those who have demonstrated strong, innovative skills for the development and/or administration of programs or who are recognized scholars in the field of distance learning globally.

The 2013 USDLA International Awards will be presented during the USDLA International Awards Ceremony, scheduled for 29 April 2013 during the USDLA National Conference. The event will be held in St. Louis, Missouri.