State Department websites honored by Webby Awards



  • American English
  • About Trace Effects
  • Play Trace Effects

    • Two websites launched this year by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) have been recognized by the 2013 Webby Awards, a leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. American English, ECA’s new site featuring learning materials for English language teachers and learners was named an “Official Honoree” in the “Government” category as one of the best government websites of the year. In addition, the interactive 3D English learning videogame, Trace Effects, was recognized in the “Youth” category as one of this year’s best websites intended for a youth audience.

    In November 2012, ECA launched the American English website with the design and technical assistance of Threespot, a digital agency in Washington, D.C. The redesigned American English website provides quality resources for teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL), exploring American culture, and encouraging conversation within the global EFL community. The site’s sleek and user-friendly interface includes a responsive design to adapt to mobile devices, and features multimedia, digital story-telling, social media accessibility, and infographics.

    Trace Effects is a video game jointly developed by ECA and the SuperGroup Creative Omnimedia, Inc., a multi-media company based in Atlanta. In Trace Effects, the gamer assumes the identity of Trace, an American time traveler who must use his English language skills and knowledge of American culture to travel from one iconic or archetypal U.S. location to another in order to find his way back home. This game incorporates public diplomacy themes including environmental conservation, empowerment of women, science and technology innovation, entrepreneurship and community activism.

    Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, the Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet in over 100 categories. Established in 1996, the Webby Awards received nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide last year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).