In all classes, the participant(s) entering the project must indicate their roles in the projects. All entries must include a statement as to the purpose, audience and description of circumstances for development. In the judge’s evaluation form, points are given in these areas: Design — planning and vision in its design and format as stated in the objectives (15); Content — content presented to target audience in easy-to-grasp and engaging method (15); Technical quality (15); Use of medium — rating on appropriate use of medium (15); Marketing/promotion — use of appropriate techniques to market or promote availability of program or product (10); Evaluation — use of appropriate methods to evaluate program or product (15); and Effectiveness — effective in achieving stated goals, objectives and needs (15).

Class 38 — Interactive media program. This class is designed for interactive programs for distribution through CD ROMs, DVD, touch-screen kiosks, floppy disks or other non-Web media. The program can cover any subject matter area used for internal or external purposes. Where possible, submit the computer program on CD ROM, DVD or floppy disks, and include installation instructions. If this is not possible, submit a 1/2-inch VHS videotape of the interactive video program in use. Videotape should include close-ups of screens and numerous examples of decision points, menus and tests (if used). Entry material should clearly define the objectives of the interactive media program, an explanation of the development process, intended audience, delivery timeline and evaluation methods (either conducted or planned).

Class 39 — Best innovative use of communication technology. This class recognizes either (a) an effective application of emerging information technology or (b) innovative use of an established information technology to educate or inform audiences. Entries should demonstrate risk-taking and/or innovation and may involve projects that use single or multiple information technologies. Submit a 1/2-inch videotape, CD, DVD or Web URL of the technology in use and/or description of innovative information technology. The entry must include statement of purpose, audience, instructional design, subject content and evaluation methods (either conducted or planned).

Class 40 — Web site. This class is designed for Web sites for any specified audience. Sites will be evaluated on overall ease of use, design, content delivery, appropriate use of Web techniques, appeal to the intended audience and evaluation mechanisms (for determining site usefulness for audience or more formal usability studies conducted with the site). A site may be resubmitted in succeeding years if a description is included indicating how the site has changed from the previous version. In general, at least 20 percent of the site should be made up of new materials, new menus or new ways of locating information. Submit the URL of the site and additional URLs for specific pages that should not be overlooked in the judging. You may also wish to submit a printout of some pages from the site and information on any special scripting or programming used at the site to provide additional functionality (e.g., database lookups, interactive application, etc.).

Class 41 — Technology education. This class includes entries that demonstrate computer/technology training efforts using any one of a variety of different delivery methods (e.g., satellite, self-paced instruction, live courses, interactive television, CD ROM, DVD, print, etc.), or it may involve multiple delivery methods. This may include training materials addressing general computer literacy, a specific application (such as a software program or a particular Web site) or other technologies. Materials should be submitted to demonstrate how the training program was carried out and in what type of educational environment. Training may stress either concepts or specific procedures (e.g., keystrokes). Entries must include the course syllabus, handout materials, computer programs, sample problems and visuals used, as well as a description of evaluation methods (either conducted or planned). Providing a videotape of portions of the training session may give the judges a better understanding of the techniques and visuals used.

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