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2017 Dziuban Award Recipient – Kenneth L. Hanson, Ph.D.

Kenneth L. Hanson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Judaic Studies, College of Arts and Humanities was awarded the Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching by the Center for Distributed Learning (CDL). The award presentation occurred during the Showcase event that concluded the spring section of CDL’s faculty development program for online and blended teaching, IDL6543. Dr. Hanson received the 2017 Dziuban Award for demonstrating excellent online teaching in his course, JST3401 Jewish People in Antiquity.

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Extending the Efficacy of the Learning Management System: Integrating Tools to Enhance Learning Online

Abstract Learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard and Canvas provide a foundation for instructors to design online learning experiences. In recent years, the functionality of most LMSs has expanded to offer more flexibility, primarily by allowing external tools to be integrated. Tools such as Twitter, YouTube, and Quizlet have the potential to increase learners’ …

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Promoting Flexible Learning Opportunities in Online Courses: A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Approach

Abstract Addressing the needs of individual learners in online courses is commonly perceived as challenging for instructors. Design principles included in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework have the potential to optimize learning in all spaces for all people, based on scientific insights in how people learn. In this session, we will share principles …

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2016 Dziuban Award Winner – Alisha Janowsky, Ph.D.

The Center for Distributed Learning (CDL) has awarded the fifth annual Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching to Alisha Janowsky, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology, College of Sciences. The award presentation occurred during the Showcase event that concluded the spring section of CDL’s faculty development program for online and blended teaching, IDL6543.

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Leveraging Mobile Devices to Support Authentic Learning

Ownership of mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablets continues to rise amongst college students. Incorporating these devices in coursework can facilitate authentic learning, with students connecting what is taught in the course to real-world issues and applications. This can be especially powerful in online learning environments, allowing students to capture experiences in the field and share with others in the class. Although instructors may express an interest in incorporating a mobile element, they are often unsure how to design course activities that are not only engaging, but also effectively support authentic learning. In this session, issues of mobile design, assessment, and support will be discussed. Specifically, an instructor’s experience of integrating mobile devices to support authentic learning in a mixed-mode (blended) course will be showcased.

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2015 Dziuban Award – Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Ph.D.

Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, College of Sciences, was awarded the Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching by the Center for Distributed Learning (CDL). The award presentation occurred during the Showcase event that concluded the spring section of CDL’s faculty development program for online and blended teaching, IDL6543. Dr. Reyes-Foster received …

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Strategies to Encourage Academic Integrity in Online Exams

Online exams are popular in college courses, offering a time-efficient and flexible way of assessing student learning. Students often prefer them because of the convenience factor, while instructors like that they do not expend valuable face-to-face class time. However, the concern about students cheating on online exams is pervasive throughout higher education. Instructors often worry that it is difficult for students to remain academically honest under such conditions. In this session, resources and strategies to encourage academic honesty in the online exam environment such as considerations for test construction and exam settings will be shared. Specifically, we will showcase an instructor’s use of ProctorHub, UCF’s newest online proctoring tool, which is designed to mitigate these concerns.

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Using Social Media to Enhance Community in Your Classes

Today’s college students are using social media more than ever in their personal lives, and emerging research suggests that social media can have a powerful influence on the learning experience. Many instructors have an interest in harnessing the pedagogical potential of social media, but are unsure how to effectively integrate them in their curricula. In this session, we will describe how social media can foster a sense of community within and beyond the classroom setting. Specifically, we will showcase strategies designed to create and sustain community using the social media tool Twitter, addressing commonly identified issues such as student privacy and communication.

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2014 Dziuban Award – Stephanie Vie, Ph.D.

Stephanie Vie, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Writing and Rhetoric, College of Arts and Humanities, was awarded the Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching by the Center for Distributed Learning (CDL). The award presentation occurred during the Showcase event that concluded the spring section of CDL’s faculty development program for online and blended teaching, …

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Collaboration Strategies in Online Course Environments

The task of online collaboration is daunting, but not impossible. Advancements in communication technologies along with sound pedagogical techniques and clear student expectations can lower the barrier to effective group work online. This session will present strategies, resources, and services designed to assist faculty in implementing collaborative projects online. Ideas and concerns of on-site and remote participants will be solicited. The goal of this interactive session is to create a constructive and practical dialogue with colleagues.

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