The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented the 2010 International Distance Learning Award to Stevens Institute of Technology at the 2010 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1987, the USDLA is the nation's leading distance learning organization and reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.
"Recognition by USDLA is yet another affirmation of Stevens leadership in Distance Learning. We look forward to the continued success of Stevens WebCampus as we expand our online capabilities in terms of technology and content," said Ralph Giffin, Associate Provost of Graduate Programs Enterprise.
This is the 4th USDLA award for Stevens WebCampus in addition to two Sloan Consortium Awards acknowledging its continued growth and innovation. A 2009 WebCampus study revealed a stunning 45% of online graduate students lived more than 60 minutes from the Stevens campus in Hoboken, N.J. This included over 50 students from outside the U.S. and represented 35 states and 13 countries in total. In May, 2010, Stevens was listed in U.S. News & World Reports as having the 14th largest online business program.
Among the latest distance learning technology advancements at WebCampus was a transition to the Wimba web conferencing system. In addition to giving students and instructors tools to conduct real-time and recorded sessions, the system is also used (or is being considered used for) administrative meetings, marketing and recruitment projects, public relations initiatives, business continuation, student services, and internal staff training projects. In the next year, WebCampus expects to fully implement the Wimba Pronto instant messaging system to help link students to instructors, help desks, and other students. This year the division plans to launch WebCampus Radio, a public series of webinars and podcasts about current issues in engineering, management, and information technology.
"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Stevens Institute of Technology as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, CEO of USDLA. "Stevens has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by Stevens contributions to the distance learning industry."
"Congratulations to Stevens and every one of this year's award winners," said Reggie Smith III, President of USDLA. "USDLA takes great pride and responsibility in recognizing excellence and quality that benefit the entire industry. Through distance learning education, and training we can provide access to the world's best award winning opportunities for school children, connect higher education students globally and transform the lives and careers of working adults. We are truly on the edge of something great and these winners clearly demonstrate and confirm the transformative powers of distance learning globally."
