The Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Award
Overview
For over 20 years, UC Irvine has had the long-standing tradition of honoring teaching excellence during its annual Celebration of Teaching week which takes place every spring quarter. The campus community is invited to nominate individuals to be recognized for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
The Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Award was created in 2021 to honor a faculty member (Senate or Unit 18) for demonstrating pedagogical design (learning experience) excellence and creativity in effectively engaging students in an online learning environment.
The Review Criteria and Process
The review committee is formed by the UCI faculty, the instructional designers, and students focusing on three course design areas:
Online course and syllabus design
Active teaching strategies for online student engagement
Inclusive teaching and online student support
The review rubric is designed based on the five evidence-based principles for online teaching provided by Dr. Di Xu at UCI’s Online Learning Research Center:
Clear Course Materials & Website
Clear and well-organized course materials can result in higher grades, avoiding confusion for students
Frequent Communication & Presence
Communicate frequently and in different ways to motivate students to engage in your courses.
Help Students Connect with Each Other
Create a collaborative environment where students can help each other, enhance their social interaction and engagement.
Build in Self-Regulation Support
A consistent, well-structured course with clear instructions and rubrics supports student directed learning.
Teach your Students Study Skills
Provide resources and explicit guidance regarding online learning to encourage autonomous learning and boost student performance
The Winners of the Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Award
2022
Brandon Golob
Assistant Professor of Teaching in Criminology, Law & Society
School of Social Ecology
2021
Zeba Wunderlich
Assistant Professor in Developmental and Cell Biology
School of Biological Sciences