Connie Broughton Innovation in eLearning Award

Award Background

Since 2007, the eLearning Council (ELC) has provided recognition to members of SBCTC institutions for innovative work in the field of eLearning. Originally named the ELC Award, in 2017, the award was renamed in honor of a retired colleague, Connie Broughton, who had contributed to our work since the inception of the award. The intent of the award has always included the desire to recognize and share eLearning-related work done within our system.

Award Objectives

Specifically, the objectives of The Connie Broughton Innovation in eLearning Award intends to provide:

1. System-wide share out of adaptable, replicable, innovative, and pedagogically-sound instructional technologies and teaching practices.

2. Celebration of work within Washington State institutions that enhances fully online, hybrid/blended, and web-enhanced teaching and learning.

3. Alignment with the eLearning Council constitution (a) to provide leadership and professional development in promoting, support and delivery of eLearning activities within each community or technical college district, the state and the nation; and (b) to promote the effective use of eLearning technology and provide information and training for administrators, faculty, and students.

To accomplish these objectives, the ELC Award Committee is accepting submissions from individuals or groups that describe and demonstrate replicable eLearning projects, practices, and techniques. The individual awardee or team will receive a commemorative plaque, one non-taxable $200 gift card (contributed by the ELC), and an invitation to present their work during the spring 2023 WACC conference March 30-3, 2023 at Renton Technical College..

Possible topics may include (but are not limited to) improving, contributing to, developing, and exploring eLearning teaching and learning related to:

• Equity and inclusion

• Student motivation and engagement

• Student recruitment, retention, and completion

• Open Educational Resources (OER)

• Professional development for faculty teaching online

• Effective use of instructional technologies

• Online or hybrid/blended course development

Award Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following five categories:

1. Description and Summary:  Thorough explanation describing the eLearning project, practice, or technique to be considered for the award. Include a summary of how the project reflects innovation in eLearning and its value if shared with others in our system. This statement can also be used for the conference presentation proposal.

2. Quality of Artifacts:  Upload documents, videos, examples, links, etc. that supplement the description. Links to websites, presentation materials, videos, or other artifacts that illustrate your project, practice, or technique are welcome. As appropriate, ensure that these artifacts contribute to the replicability of your work.

3. Degree of Innovation in eLearning for Teaching and Learning: Explanation of how your submission (method, process, product, etc.) is a new or updated practice, or a twist on conventional practice.

4. Replicability Options for Adopters:  Explanation of how your submission something that other institutions, departments, courses, instructors, or others can copy, reproduce, reuse, repurpose, and/or adapt. NOTE: Qualifying works must not be copyrighted or otherwise limited in use. Be sure to explain usage permission in your submission.

5. Evidence of Impact on eLearning Teaching and Learning:  Explanation of the ways your project has had an effect on your college, department, course, teaching, students’ learning, etc.? Please provide evidence that documents this impact.

You may apply for yourself or nominate someone else by completing The Connie Broughton Innovation in eLearning Award application form (link follows).