Technology and Learning's 26th annual Awards of Excellence program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Awards of Excellence program?
The Awards of Excellence program has been recognizing outstanding ed tech curriculum products for the last quarter century. With a solid reputation in the industry as a longstanding, high-quality program, the AOE recognizes both "best of breed" and creative new offerings that help educators in the business of teaching, training and managing with technology.
Who can enter?
Any company that has released new education software and related technology products between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008 may enter. New web sites launched between these dates are also eligible.
I have entered Awards of Excellence before. Can I enter again?
Yes! If you have a new product or web site that was released or launched between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008, you may enter. If you have released an updated version of a previously published software program or web site, you may enter that product again – as long as the copyright date falls between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008.
I won an Award of Excellence last year, but the product has been revamped and updated. Can I still enter?
Yes! If the product or web site has been updated since the last time you entered, and the copyright date falls between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008, you may enter that product under the Legacy Award category. The entries will undergo the same rigorous testing as new products.
Can I enter more than one product?
Absolutely! There is no limit to the amount of products a company can enter.
Under what category should I enter my product(s)?
Choose the category that seems to best fit your product(s). T&L editors will adjust to the appropriate category if necessary. There is no limit to the number of products that may win within a given category.
How are the products evaluated? What are the judging criteria?
Products are evaluated by at least two judges in four different areas:
- Quality and effectiveness
- Ease of use
- Creative use of computer technology
- Suitability for use in a school environment
The products are also given an overall rating by the judges.
Which categories can I enter my products?
You may enter your products under any of the following categories:
- Administrative Tools
- Curriculum and Data Management
- Games for Learning
- Language Arts
- Legacy Award*
- Math/Science
- Multidisciplinary
- Presentation/Productivity
- Professional Development
- Social Sciences and Life Skills
- Teacher Resources
- Tools for Communication, Collaboration and System Management
(* The Legacy Award category is for an updated version of a product which has won an Award of Excellence in the past.)
I have a hardware product I want to enter. May I?
Your product must be a curriculum-content related product. Traditionally, this has been software or web products. We don’t have the resources to judge hardware-only products. However, if you have graphing software with a handheld (hardware), for example, that is acceptable.
May we provide a phone demo on the product?
NO. We are not offering phone demos this year. Additional media (such as videos) is accepted and must be sent electronically.
What if there is a problem with the product?
It is your responsibility to make sure the product is working correctly BEFORE you submit it. This includes hardware and software products. It is also your responsibility to make sure that all web passwords, URLs, and etc. are active and working correctly prior to submitting. If the product cannot be judged, it will be disqualified and the entry fee will be forfeited.
How much does it cost to enter?
Single products entered between February 1, 2008 and March 14, 2008: $375
Product series or suites entered between February 1, 2008 and March 14, 2008: $750
(To qualify for the early-bird discount, entries must be received by March 14, 2008).
Single products entered between March 15, 2008 and April 30, 2008: $425
Product series or suite entered between March 15, 2008 and April 30, 2008: $850
How do I pay?
You may pay either by check (made payable to Technology & Learning Awards of Excellence) or credit card.
What is the final deadline?
April 30, 2008
What do I get if I win?
New products selected as winners will be featured in the December Awards issue of Technology & Learning, and also on techLEARNING.com. Winners also receive an obelisk for display in their home or office. Products that have previously won an Award of Excellence, but chosen for a Legacy Award, will also be featured in the December issue and techLEARNING.com. Legacy winners will be mailed a personalized certificate.
Will the product(s) be returned to me after the program is complete?
NO! Entries will not be returned unless specifically requested, and return postage is provided.
What materials do I need to send to enter?
- ONE copy of each product to be evaluated, or web site passwords/access information for two users
- Detailed instructions on how to set up product
- Any additional materials such as batteries, headsets, microphones and LCD projectors MUST be included
- Entry fee, paid in full by check or credit card
Where do I mail everything?
Technology & Learning Awards of Excellence
NewBay Media LLC
1111 Bayhill Dr., Suite 125
San Bruno, CA 94066
ATTN: Jared Stearns
If you still have questions, please email Jared Stearns: jstearns@nbmedia.com.
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