Overview
The 2025 ITDS Excellence in Course Design Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional innovation and effectiveness in online and hybrid course design. This award celebrates faculty who excel in applying pedagogical strategies and instructional design principles to support student success. Recipients are recognized for implementing innovative digital pedagogy to promote student engagement and enrich student learning while exemplifying quality course design, high standards of online and hybrid pedagogy, technology integration, and accessibility, as outlined in best-practice frameworks. This recognition, the ITDS Excellence in Course Design Award, promotes ongoing innovation in online and hybrid course design, meeting the needs of a diverse student population, while promoting student success across learning environments.
Eligibility
- Open to all current faculty who have taught an individual online or hybrid course in the last two years at Montclair State University.
- Online program courses designed in collaboration with ITDS are ineligible for this award.
Award Criteria
The Montclair State University Online/Hybrid Course Review Checklist will be utilized to evaluate the quality of an online or hybrid course from both pedagogical and technological perspectives. This checklist is based on the Quality Matters Program standards, Montclair State University’s OCIA course design model (Orientation, Content, Interaction, Assessment), and established best practices in online teaching and learning. The review focuses on the following categories:
- Course Overview
- Instructional Materials
- Learning Activities and Interaction
- Learning Assessments
- Technology and Accessibility
To learn more about the criteria of each category, please refer to the Course Review and Quality Assurance webpage.
Application Process
To apply for the ITDS Excellence in Course Design award, please complete the online application form (by April 14th). On the form, you will be asked to name the course you would like to submit for award consideration along with a description of how your course aligns with the award criteria and the Montclair Online/Hybrid Course Review Checklist.
We invite students to nominate courses for the ITDS Excellence in Course Design Award to recognize an outstanding learning experience. Students who have taken an online or hybrid course that was well-designed, interactive, inclusive, and enhanced their learning experience, are encouraged to submit this nomination form by April 1st.
ITDS will offer information sessions to share additional details and answer questions. Register for an upcoming session to learn more (coming soon).
Tentative Timeline
The 2025 ITDS Excellence in Course Design Award review tentative timeline is as follows:
- Late February: Call for applications open
- April 1st: Student nomination deadline
- April 14th: Application submission deadline
- April 21st: The Committee begins the review process
- May 15th: Award Recipients notified via email
- June 3rd: Award Recipients present their courses and receive their awards at the ITDS Summer Institute event.
Review Committee
The ITDS Excellence in Course Design Review Committee will consist of ITDS members, faculty, and students.
Members of the Course Design Review Committee are ineligible for this award.
Additional Information
If you have any questions regarding the process for submitting an application or the review process for the ITDS Excellence in Course Design Award, please contact itds@yopin365.com.