USDLA Awards Boston University School of Social Work a Platinum Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming in 2014
BOSTON, MA—The Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) was recognized by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with a Platinum Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming. The USDLA, a nonprofit association and national leader in distance learning, presented its 2014 International Distance Learning Awards on May 5, 2014, in conjunction with its 2014 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Best Practices, Best Practices for Distance Learning Programming, Best Practices for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, Hall of Fame and the Eagle for an elected official.
These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. The Platinum Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming acknowledged Boston University School of Social Work’s Online Program course, CP 771: Clinical Practice with Groups. Clinical Associate Professor Donna McLaughlin, MSW, LICSW, from the School of Social Work, and Senior Instructional Designer James A. Frey from the Office of Distance Education collaboratively designed this course and Clinical Associate Professor McLaughlin teaches the online graduate course three times annually.
"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring the Boston University School of Social Work as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, executive director of USDLA and program professor at Nova Southeastern University. "The Boston University School of Social Work Online MSW Program has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by the School’s contributions within all distance learning constituencies.”
The USDLA 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 results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“Our faculty has always adhered to the highest level of educational standards at the School of Social Work,” said Boston University School of Social Work Dean and Professor Gail Steketee, PhD. “Receiving such a prestigious award is a great honor for all of us and for our amazing partners in distance education. This honor not only confirms the excellence of our online MSW program, but also honors these fine BU educators, Professor Donna McLaughlin and Designer James A. Frey.”
“This year’s USDLA Awards represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence," said USDLA President Jenny Jopling.
About Boston University
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 33,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 16 schools and colleges, along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
About the Boston University School of Social Work
The Boston University School of Social Work is a dynamic, urban-based graduate school, offering MSW, PhD, and dual degree programs, as well as continuing professional education. The School is committed to producing social workers who possess excellent skills and knowledge to practice within a variety of contexts, from clinical counseling to community-based and macro level settings. As part of an internationally recognized institution, Boston University, the School actively seeks to address urban problems and alleviate the suffering of marginalized populations. http://www.onlinemsw.bu.edu
About the Boston University Office of Distance Education
The office of Distance Education works with Boston University schools and colleges to develop rigorous, industry-relevant graduate programs that are fully online. Flexible and affordable, BU’s acclaimed online degree and certificate programs are team-developed by full-time faculty, instructional designers, and expert multimedia professionals, providing a state-of-the-art, accessible digital learning environment distinguished by individualized support for each student. For information about online programs at Boston University, visit http://www.bu.edu/online.
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association 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. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org.