University of Michigan-Flint

Program:  This is the first annual online teaching award, developed to distinguish and showcase effective, memorable and inspiring student distance learning experiences created by our faculty.  The intent also is to recognize the commitment and diligent work of our faculty involved in online and mixed-mode learning and teaching.

This program is not designed for the evaluation of an entire course, but rather for individual lessons or units that might include one or more of the following, or something totally unique and creative!

• Simulations
• Animations
• Tutorials
• Drill and practice
• Assessments
• Survey tools
• Lectures/presentations
• Group projects
• Discussion series
• Entire course units on a specific topic

Deadline:  Submit your entry by March 22.  Awardees will be notified April 5 and asked to display their work in a non-poster poster session¹ in conjunction with the Celebration of Teaching event sponsored by the Thompson Center for Learning and Teaching Friday, April 26, 2013.  Five awards range from $200 to $600 each, with numerous $100 honorable mentions.

Eligibility: Individual UM-Flint faculty (including lecturers), or teams of faculty and staff, are eligible to present praiseworthy online learning experiences they have developed and offered at least once in any semester prior to the end of winter 2013 semester.   Faculty may enter more than once.

Entry Information: Submit your entry online at http://www.umflint.edu/oel/awards.htm  The entry form identifies required information for a submission and clarifies general criteria to be applied in selecting the winners.  

Judging: Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff based on the following criteria (rubric attached).

• Imagination:  The nominee has implemented a creative approach to one or more emerging instructional technologies or challenges.
• Instructional strategy:  The activity and assessment are tied to the learning objectives/desired outcomes.
• Lesson materials: Materials are well-designed and address multiple learning preferences.
• Evidence of active learning:  The activity promotes analysis, synthesis, evaluation or application of course content.
• Effective learning outcomes: There is evidence of successful learning outcomes.
• Learner satisfaction: The lesson had a lasting and transformative effect on learners.

Prizes:    1st place=$600    2nd =$500    3rd =$400    4th=$300    5th=$200
Honorable mentions will be awarded $100 each.

Awards Rubric

¹ This may be as simple as using a laptop to display or demonstrate lesson materials. OEL assistance will be available.