We invite you to submit a nomination for the Open Education Resources Award for our 6th Annual Excellence in Online Learning Conference.

Summary

This award recognizes exceptional use of Open Education Resources, tools and practices. We encourage nominations beyond Open Education Resources including other areas of openness, fostering innovative open initiatives and practices. The recipient provides models of excellence for fellow faculty. The recipient must have designed and taught previously one or more courses that apply these principles. The course(s) utilizes best practices in the implementation and design of OER course materials and instructional strategies. The adoption or creation of OER has resulted in a more cost-effective solution for students while still meeting the desired learning outcomes using best practices. There will be one award in this category –and includes a $1,000 stipend.

Examples include, but not limited to, utilizing free textbooks, providing free electronic notes or textbook alternatives, incorporating free educational resources in courses.

You will be asked to attach documents to the below form (Have ready before proceeding):

• Two letters of recommendation (one from a student and one from an administrator)
• Evidence of achieving expected learning outcomes

Criteria

• Best Practices in Open Education Resources: The nominee has created well-designed course material meeting Best Practices in OER Design and Implementation. The OER resources will be evaluated by conference committee, which will require you to provide us access to the resources site, if housed outside of Blackboard.
• Overall Economic Impact: The nominee provides evidence for cost efficiency and effectiveness in their utilization of Open Education Resources.
• Quality of OER Material: The nominee selected open education resource materials that exceed the quality found in a typical textbook/resource that was used previously. Does the OER go beyond just text, provide multiple perspectives for content, utilizes instructional approaches that engage the student?
• Student Feedback on Course Effectiveness: The nominee provides evidence of learner's satisfaction and effectiveness in their use of OER.  In this section, we will ask for a letter of recommendation from a former student.
• Educational Impact on Learning Outcomes: The nominee has demonstrated a strong partnership between OER instructional materials and strategies towards achieving the course learning outcomes. In this section, we ask for sample student work and explanation.
• Enable Accessibility: The course OER is consciously selected to meet accessibility standards, inclusive design for all learners by incorporating Universal Design for Learning guidelines and Accessibility standards.

Rubric

The following rubric will be used to evaluate submitted proposals: OER Evaluation Rubric.

Note

1. Nominations and all submitted materials are confidential. Self-nominations are accepted.
2. To be considered, submit a completely filled-out application.
3. If you have any questions concerning awards for Excellence in Hybrid Teaching, please contact us or call (956) 882-6792 [Brownsville] / (956) 665-5327 [Edinburg].
4. You will be required to submit, at minimum, two letters of recommendation (one from a student and one from an administrator/colleague)
5. The deadline to submit initial nominations for the Open Education Resources Award via the online form is Sunday, March 5, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.