DLA Conference | Call for Proposals

The DLA Conference specifically addresses the needs of those who plan, manage, and support distance education activities. The conference invites proposals from the introductory through advanced level on topics related to:

managing growth in distance education
training & support for distance instructors
support for distance students
budget and cost-benefit of distance education
marketing distance courses and programs

evaluation of distance courses and programs
distance learning ethics and copyright issues
organizational issues in distance education
striving for excellence

There are two types of workshops:

1. Paper Sessions

Submit a Paper Session Proposal

2. FishBowl Dialogue Sessions

Submit a FishBowl Proposal

Paper Sessions

Your submission indicates your commitment to preparing a written paper for the Proceedings and making your presentation (Paper Session) during the conference at a time and place assigned by the Conference Committee. Paper Sessions will last 45 minutes each, with at least 15 minutes allowed for interactivity and discussion, but other formats may be utilized. You may submit more than one proposal. Please complete the online form to submit your paper proposal.

FishBowl Dialogue Sessions

Your submission indicates your commitment to developing engaging questions and facilitating a discussion on your chosen topic.Your responsibilities are to:

provide a 50 word overview of the topic (which we will post to the conference website).
frame the opening of the conversation (this should take you about 10 minutes).
keep the conversation from getting too far off track (but don’t really moderate).
submit a written summary of ideas learned through the conference website (within 1 hour after the end of the session).

The FishBowl works as follows: You will provide a brief presentation (about 10 minutes) followed by prepared questions for audience discussion. These sessions last for 45 minutes..

For FishBowl topics, you should focus on critical issues for distance administrators. Think of something that people might feel passionately about. For example, if you chose the topic “Extrinsic Rewards to Promote Faculty Participation in Training,” you might begin by asking whether or not faculty should be paid to attend workshops as they prepare to teach online. The topic you select should also be one of familiarity to you in terms of your research or work experiences. To propose a FishBowl Session, please submit this online form.

All proposals are due by January 22nd, 2021.

Evaluation of Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated by the Conference Committee for relevancy to the field of distance learning administration; clarity; and usefulness of topic. Acceptance notices and instructions for submitting final papers will be sent by February 2, 2021.

Publication & Awards

Papers developed from accepted abstracts will be published in the printed conference proceedings, to be distributed to all paid attendees, and sold to others. All presented papers will be considered for Best Paper Awards within several categories. Award winning papers will be invited for publication in The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, and will also receive a certificate.

Conference Fee

Presenters must register by March 27, 2021. The conference fee for all presenters will be $350. This includes all conference activities and several meals.