University Establishes Award for Online Teaching Excellence

VALDOSTA—Valdosta State University has created the Excellence Award for Online Teaching as part of the university’s overall faculty awards presented annually.
 
The online teaching award was established in response to the University System of Georgia’s new Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for Online Teaching, which will be awarded this year.
 
“VSU’s faculty are leaders in the field of online instruction, and this award allows us the opportunity to recognize their innovative spirit, commitment to engaging online learners, and to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of online instruction at VSU,” said Meg Moore, director of Extended Learning and CEO of eMajor. “The individual who receives the VSU award will be nominated for the Regents’s award in May.”
 
Online courses and degree programs offer a variety of options for people to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree. Expanding online courses is an important aspect of the office of Extended Learning’s mission.
 
“Through workshops, one-to-one sessions, instructional consultation, and student support, Extended Learning has the unique opportunity to work directly with faculty as well as online learners, and to explore new products and services that may enhance learning efficacy and the student experience,” said Moore. “The tools, skills, knowledge, and experience of online teaching can be quite different from the traditional face-to-face experience. Consequently, this award allows VSU to recognize these unique achievements, successes, and contributions of our online instructors in a meaningful way.”
 
Eligible candidates must meet the following selection criteria:
·      Possess a strong commitment to quality online teaching and learning, as evidenced by teaching and scholarly activities designed to advance the quality of online teaching and learning.
·      Use effective and innovative online teaching practices that result in student engagement, student satisfaction, and effectiveness in achieving desired learning outcomes.
·      Demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to fostering the academic success of online students through the development of rapport with individual learners in and beyond the virtual classroom.
 
Nominations for VSU’s online teaching award will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2014. To learn more about the application process, visit theCenter of eLearning’s website:  https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/elearning/welcome.php

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Goal 5: Develop and enhance Valdosta State’s human and physical resources.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.