Goals for the Educational Program
Learning Cores
Submission Categories
Learning Objectives
Instructional Level
Number of Submitted Proposals
Selection Criteria
Presenters/Contributors
Disclosure Information
Presenters Agreement
Audiovisual Equipment Provided
Online Submission Instructions
Goals for the Educational Program
The goals for the educational program is value-rich learning, where the emphasis is on learning facilitation as opposed to content delivery. This learning culture has been designed to help attendees: Acquire knowledge, Advance science, and Access technology. Proposals should offer information that is interesting to a variety of practice settings, contains innovative and meaningful information, and include interactive presentation techniques designed to engage the learner.
Learning Cores
The previous educational tracks have been grouped into six Learning Cores. You will be asked to select one of these Learning Cores for your proposal:
- Diagnostics – in hearing & balance
- Disorders – of auditory & vestibular systems
- Hearing Loss Prevention
- Hearing & Balance Sciences
- Professional Issues & Practice Management – e.g. ethics, private practice, billing
- Treatment – e.g. audiologic treatment, balance rehabilitation, hearing aids, cochlear implants, ALDs
The Program Committee specifically encourages submissions, in any category or core, to participate in the 2008 SuperTracks:
- Implantables
- Geriatrics
- Pediatrics
- Practice Management
- Vestibular
SuperTracks are dedicated tracks that will provide a comprehensive learning opportunity to attendees within a specific topic area.
Submission Categories
Select the one category that your proposal best matches. Duplicate submissions under multiple categories are not permitted. Presentations that market specific products and services are not acceptable for any category. These can be submitted to the CEU Theater in Audiology Solutions by contacting Meggan Olek, molek@audiology.org.
The Call for Innovative Proposals invites proposals in the following categories:
Learning Modules (LM)
Length: 1 hour or 2 hours
Limit: Two (2) submissions per individual
CEUs: 0.1 or 0.2 CEUs
Learning Modules are learner-focused, interactive courses on topics of current interest that provide participants with information they can use in their clinical practices. These may cover a wide variety of topics including clinical audiology, treatment, basic science, practice management or a related field. In response to comments made by attendees over past years, this year's program will feature 3 instructional levels. A description of each level is listed below. Emphasis will be placed on submissions with new or innovative topics. Submissions that complement topics covered in the designated Super Tracks (Practice Management, Implantables, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and Vestibular) will be given priority. Submissions should include an abstract (75 word limit) and a structured description of what will be presented including how the presentation will be interactive (500 word limit). Submissions that incorporate interactive techniques will also be scored higher in order to more actively involve participants in the learning experience. Moreover, fewer Learning Modules will be offered this year, so only the highest quality submissions will be accepted. Submissions will be evaluated based on overall quality, content/interest to the Academy members, clarity of the written proposal and interactive techniques; and will be a blind review.
Note: Courses designed to provide participants with access to clinical research that illustrates users' performance, benefit and/or satisfaction related to commercially available products or services should be submitted as Exhibitor Courses. The Program Committee reserves the right to transfer any such Learning Module submissions to the Exhibitor Course subcommittee. A course focused on product training and demonstration should be part of the CEU Theater, found on the show floor in Audiology Solutions. These sessions are reviewed by the Continuing Education Committee to determine CEU approval. Contact Meggan Olek molek@audiology.org for more information.
Exhibitor Course (EC)
Length: 1 hour
Limit: Two (2) submissions per individual
CEUs: 0.1 CEUs
The Exhibitor Courses are designed to provide participants with access to clinical research and product information that illustrates users’ performance, benefit and/or satisfaction related to products or services. Product names may appear in the abstract and presentation. Submissions should include an abstract (75 word limit) and a summary (500 word limit). Courses may be either tutorial (e.g., describing expected patient benefit related to a given product or feature, topics of current interest that provide participants with information they can use in their clinical practices) or research based. If research based, summary should be a structured study description that includes an introduction, methods, results and discussion. Consideration also will be given to ongoing research (e.g., clinical studies of new products or features). These summaries should include a detailed protocol, and discussion of how projected results may impact patient benefit.
Blind review of submissions will be based on overall merit, interest to academy members, new information, measurable educational objective and clarity of the written proposal. Priority will be given to completed research based submissions.
Note: The CEU Theater, found on the show floor in Audiology Solutions, will include sessions focused on product training and/or demonstration. These sessions are reviewed by the Continuing Education Committee to determine CEU approval. Contact Meggan Olek molek@audiology.org for more information. Sessions submitted under the Exhibitor Course category that includes product training and demonstration will not be accepted.
Discussion Group (DG)
Session Length: 1 hour
Limit: One (1) submission per facilitator
CEUs: CEUs not offered
Discussion groups are opportunities to interact with colleagues to share experiences, discuss innovative topics/approaches and/or debate current issues. These informal gatherings will be scheduled to meet simultaneously in a series of small rooms with appropriate discussion-style seating. Each Discussion Group will have a facilitator who will report to the Program Chair the outcome of the discussion. The facilitator may also identify an interested individual to continue the discussion via on-line mechanisms over the year and/or propose that this topic be considered as a focus group for the following convention. Submissions will be selected based on interest to Academy members, innovation and uniqueness of topic in the overall program and timeliness of the topic. The Discussion Groups will be held at 1:00 on Saturday.
Research Pods (RP)
Length: 30 minutes each, two presented in a 1 hour session
Limit: Two (2) submissions per individual. Please note: Projects submitted as Learning Modules, Instructional Courses or Exhibitor Courses should not be submitted for consideration as either a Research Pod or Research Poster.
CEUs: 0.1 CEUs
The Research Pod format provides the opportunity for individuals to present current clinically-directed research in the core learning areas (Treatment, Diagnostics, Disorders, Hearing & Balance Sciences, Professional Issues, Hearing Loss Prevention) to the audience at AudiologyNOW! This year, research pods will be scheduled on Friday afternoon (2:00pm- 5:00pm). Each pod will consist of two 30-minute presentations in a related core area. Submissions must be based on original research in the areas of audiology or hearing science. Submissions should contain an abstract (75 word limit) and a structured description of what will be presented (500 word limit).
Blind review of Research Pod submissions will be conducted and the evaluation based on overall quality, importance of the work, innovation, informational content, and clarity of the presentation. The reviews will prioritize completed projects or those with preliminary results from funded studies over studies in the planning stage that do not yet have defined methodology or results.
Proposals that are not selected for Research Pod presentations may be considered for Research Poster Presentation by indicating in the checkbox marked, “If proposal is not accepted as a Research Pod, automatically consider this proposal for presentation as a Research Poster”. Submissions will be automatically forwarded to the Research Poster subcommittee for review in that category.
Research Poster (PP)
Length: Posters hung noon Thursday through noon Saturday
Limit: Two (2) submissions per individual. Please note: Projects submitted as Learning Modules, Instructional Courses or Exhibitor Courses should not be submitted for consideration as either a Research Pod or Research Poster.
CEUs: 0.6 CEUs
The Research Poster Presentation format provides the opportunity to discuss clinically-directed research in the core learning areas (Treatment, Diagnostics, Disorders, Hearing & Balance Sciences, Professional Issues and Hearing Loss Prevention) on an individual basis during a 2-hour session. Based on the success of the format employed last year, authors will again be available to discuss their poster presentations during an extended timeslot (Friday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm) in a large dedicated poster area. A wine and cheese reception (cash bar) will be available during the poster presentations. The posters will remain available for review throughout the duration of AudiologyNOW!
Submissions should contain an abstract (75 word limit) and a structured description of what will be presented, including how the presentation will be interactive (500 word limit).
Blind review of Research Poster presentation submissions will be conducted and the evaluation based on overall quality, importance of the work, innovation, informational content, and clarity of the presentation. The reviews will prioritize completed projects or those with preliminary results from funded studies over studies in the planning stage that do not yet have defined methodology or results.
Student Presentations (as indicated by selecting the “Student Presenter” checkbox) that are accepted by the Research Poster subcommittee are required to attend the Research Poster Presentation session in order to be eligible for consideration of three James Jerger Awards for Excellence in Student Research ($500 each) that will be judged onsite by the Student Research subcommittee.
Student Research Forum (SR)
Length: 15 minutes each, five presented in a 1.5 hour session
Limit: One (1) submission per student
CEUs: 0.1 CEUs
Graduate students in audiology and recent audiology graduates are invited to submit proposals for presentation of their original research completed while a graduate student in audiology. Funded by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF), students submitting the top proposals (up to five) will receive a cash award of US $500 and will present a 10-minute summary of their research followed by a five-minute question and answer period.
Submissions should contain an abstract (75 word limit) and a structured description of what will be presented, including how the presentation will be interactive (500 word limit).
Blind review of Student Research proposals will be conducted based on the originality and timeliness of the research, methodology, limitations of the study, significance, suggestions for future studies, and writing style/ organization/ clarity of expression.
Proposals that are not selected for the Student Research Forum will be automatically forwarded to the Research Poster subcommittee for consideration. (Submitters may choose to opt out of this process.)
Student Presentations that are accepted by the Research Poster subcommittee are required to attend the Research Poster Presentation session in order to be eligible for consideration of three James Jerger Awards for Excellence in Student Research ($500 each) that will be judged by the Student Research subcommittee.
Featured Sessions (FS) - Invited
Length: 1.5 hours
CEUs: .15 CEUs
Featured Sessions are contemporary topics presented by top audiologists, hearing scientists and physicians. Presenters for these sessions are invited by the Program Committee to speak based upon their expertise in a given topic.
Focus Groups (FG) – Invited
Length: 1 hour
CEUs: 0.1 CEUs
Focus Groups, generally, evolved from the previous convention’s Discussion Groups. Focus Groups have a clearly defined issue that will be presented and discussed by interested members. An outcome of a focus group may be a recommendation to the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors or may result in the identification of the need for ongoing discussion that could be supported via on-line mechanisms and future meetings. Focus Groups topics and facilitators are identified and invited by the Discussion and Focus Groups Subcommittee Chair after a review of the outcomes of the previous year's Discussion Groups. Focus Group facilitators are expected to report on the results of the focus group to the Program Subcommittee Chair.
Learning Labs (LL) - Invited
Length: 3.5 to 7 hours
CEUs: 0.35 to 0.7 CEUs
Additional Registration Fee for attendees
Learning labs are held on day one of AudiologyNOW! They offer in-depth, cutting-edge information in "hot" topic areas. The topic areas require half- or full-day sessions to enable sufficient coverage of the information. Learning Labs are designed to be interactive and to afford opportunities for hands-on exercises with appropriate clinical practices. The Learning Labs are presented by leaders in the field of audiology and/or associated professions. Presenters for Learning Labs are invited by the Program Committee based upon their expertise in a given topic area.
Learning Objectives
Learning objectives should be written to reflect the highest level of performance the learner will be able to achieve within a given timeframe.
Learning objectives should complete the following sentence:
Upon completion of this session, you will be able to:
Begin each objective with a measurable action-verb that describes the (behavior) performance of the learner. Apply, describe, analyze, evaluate, assess, choose or demonstrate are a few verbs that illustrate performance.
Learning objectives should reflect the instructional level of the session. For example, a beginning-level session may use more knowledge-based action verbs: list, identify, define, etc… An advanced level session would include a higher-level action verb to describe the learning that is taking place: solve, analyze, classify, etc.
For more information on writing Learning Objectives, go to http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/bloom.html
DO NOT start your learning objective with an immeasurable action verb such as understand, learn or know.
Instructional Level
Level I
A beginning-level course, offering in-depth instruction in basic principles and concepts related to the practice or topic. Emphasis is placed on fundamental (basic) knowledge, skills and procedures, with basic interpretation of findings and case management. Previous knowledge of specific content area not essential.
Level II
An intermediate-level course, offering cursory review of fundamentals and a more focused development of applied applications of the practice area or topic. Emphasis is placed on reviews of current literature and practices for those with general working knowledge and skills in content area.
Level III
An advanced-level course, offering in-depth survey and discourse of the practice area or topic. Emphasis will be on application and review of current techniques, research findings and future directions, to integrate knowledge across disciplines and practice areas. Those with substantial working knowledge and skills in content area will refine and expand their current expertise.
Number of Submitted Proposals
Submitters are limited to the following number of submissions per category:
- Exhibitor Courses: Two (2) submissions per individual
- Learning Modules: Two (2) submissions per individual
- Research Pods: Two (2) submissions per individual
- Research Posters: Two (2) submissions per individual
- Discussion Groups: One (1) submissions per individual
- Student Research Forum: One (1) submission per student
Select the one category that your proposal best matches. Duplicate submissions under multiple categories is not permitted.
Selection Criteria
The Academy strives to offer a balanced educational program by selecting proposals that achieve 1) the goals of the AudiologyNOW! Educational Program and 2) the Academy’s vision to be essential in the professional lives of audiologists. Proposals in each category will be reviewed by the appropriate 2008 Program Subcommittee members in a blind review process.
In order to be considered, all submissions must contain the following:
- A title (no longer than 60 characters)
- An abstract (no longer than 75 words)
- A summary (no longer than 500 words)
- Three Learner Outcomes (one required for Research Posters and the Student Research Forum, none are required for Discussion Groups)
- The names, organizations, emails, phone numbers and disclosure information for all presenters and contributors
Criteria for Learning Modules, Exhibitor Courses and Discussion Groups
Tthe submission is limited to 500 words and the review will be based, in general, on the following:
- Topic/content of interest to Academy members
- Timeliness of the topic
- Adherence to the vision of the program committee (see above)
- Well-defined focus and achievable learning objectives
- Clarity of the written proposal, including spelling and grammar
- Innovative techniques to engage the learner
Criteria for Research Posters and Research Pods:
The submission is limited to 500 words and should include objectives, rationale, design, results and conclusions.
Importance of the work
- Does this study address an important problem?
- Based on the purpose of this study, will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced?
- What will be the effect of this study on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive audiology?
Informational content
- Is the rationale well-reasoned and clear?
- Are objectives and hypotheses clearly stated?
- Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design and methods adequately developed, well integrated and appropriate to the aims of the project?
- Are the proposed data analyses appropriate? Were the data collected within acceptable parameters? What was the power of the performed test?
Innovation
- Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field?
- Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies?
Overall quality
- Quality of writing, organization
Criteria for Student Research Forum:
The submission is limited to 500 words and should include objectives, rationale, design, results and conclusions.
Significance
- Does this study address an important problem?
- Based on the purpose of this study, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced?
- What will be the effect of this study on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive audiology?
- Is the rationale well-reasoned and clear?
- Are objectives and hypotheses clearly stated?
Approach
- Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design and methods adequately developed, well integrated and appropriate to the aims of the project?
- Are the proposed data analyses appropriate? Were the data collected within acceptable parameters? What was the power of the performed test?
- Does the applicant state the potential limitations of the study?
- Are future studies suggested?
Innovation
- Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field?
- Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies?
Overall quality
- Quality of writing, organization
Presenters/Contributors
Presenters are individuals who contribute to the presentation content and will present the material to the audience. Presenter names will appear on the Session Evaluation and be listed in the final program.
Contributors are individuals who contribute to the presentation content but will not present the material to the audience. Contributor's names will be listed in the final program.
Disclosure Information
If a presenter at AudiologyNOW! has a financial or other relationship in any organization that may have a direct interest in the subject matter of the educational program, the audience must be aware of the relationship in print in advance of the presentation. In this way any potential conflict of interest will be identified openly so attendees have full disclosure of the facts and may form their own judgments about the presentation. Conflicts of interest may be real or perceived, and any potential for financial gain deriving from the reported work may constitute a conflict of interest. It is the responsibility of the submitter(s) to report any real or perceived financial conflict of interest.
Submission Agreement
All presenters/contributors must agree to the terms of the Submission Agreement prior to entering a proposal.
On behalf of my co-presenters and self, should this presentation be selected, I/we agree that this presentation is offered voluntarily and understand and agree to the following terms related to the presentation and its use by the American Academy of Audiology:
- Agree to pay for all travel expenses to attend AudiologyNOW!, including the registration fee.
- Agree to present this course on the assigned date, time and place during April 2-5, 2008 in Charlotte, NC.
- Agree that the individual listed as the main contact will receive all correspondence and accepts responsibility for conveying conference-related information to co-presenters.
- Warrant that this presentation is an original work or that material that is not original is being used in full accordance with the express permission of the owner of the work and agree to indemnify, defend and hold the American Academy of Audiology, its directors, officers, employees and agents harmless against any costs, claims, expenses and damages as a result of this presentation.
- Grant the American Academy of Audiology all of the necessary rights to record this presentation and to use it in any audio formats, including but not limited to Session audiotapes/CDs following AudiologyNOW!
- Grant the American Academy of Audiology all of the necessary rights to produce and distribute session presentations/handouts to all registered attendees. You will continue to retain ownership, including copyright rights, in your Work. Any copyright of the presentation and materials shall continue to be your property or that of your company.
- Agree and understand that the use of this presentation is conditioned upon the American Academy of Audiology's acceptance of it, and that the American Academy of Audiology need only notify me of the acceptance for the terms stated herein to be legally binding.
Audiovisual Equipment Provided
The Academy will be utilizing a Presentation Management system that will automatically feed the presentations through a main server directly to the session rooms. Detailed information will be sent to the presenters after the submissions have been selected. The Academy will provide, at no cost to the presenter(s):
- Laptop computer for PowerPoint Presentations
- LCD projector and screen
- Lectern microphone and wired lavaliere microphone
- Electronic pointer
- ALD transmitter
Flip Charts, DVD players, etc are available by request to Lisa Yonkers, lyonkers@audiology.org
Due to the high cost, Internet connections are not available in the session rooms.
Entering & Submitting Your Proposal Online
It is highly recommended that you create your proposal title, learner outcomes, abstract and summary information in a text document and then cut and paste it to the submission screen. This will enable you to use spelling and grammar checkers as well as prevent the loss of your work due to computer time-outs, loss of Internet connection or other computer related faults.
LOG IN: Enter in your login information. If you have not created a user ID, click the Create a User ID link.
MYPROPOSALS PAGE: Displays all of your current submissions and their status. Proposals are submitted on this page.
INPUT your proposal: Create your text in a word processing document, log into the submission system, select the type of proposal you wish to submit, cut and paste your proposal information and select presenters/contributors. You may at any time hit the "Save" button and the system will save what you have entered to that point and so you can return to it later.
When entering the Presenter/contributor information keep in mind that disclosure information must be completed for all presenters/contributors. You can enter this information by clicking the “Pencil” icon next to the name.
SUBMIT your proposal for review: After completing all the required information, hit the save button. Click the "My Proposal" link in the upper left-hand corner to return to your submission’s listing page. Find the title of the proposal you wish to submit and click “submit” located to the right of your proposal title. If a submit button is not shown it means that your submission is not yet complete. Return to your submission and complete all of the required information.
Please note that once you click the Submit button you will no longer be able to make changes to your submission but you may withdraw the submission at any time until the deadline, make edits and then resubmit it.
If you have any problems entering your submission using the online system please contact Lisa Yonkers.