Have you got a well-designed Learning Edge module area that you’d like to gain recognition for? Since its launch in 2000, Blackboard opens its Catalyst Awards each year which includes the Exemplary Course Program (ECP).  The aim is to support the use of e-Learning technology more effectively by identifying and disseminating best practices for designing engaging online courses.

Using Blackboard’s rubric, tutors are able to evaluate how well their own course(s) conform to the best practices for Course Design, Interaction & Collaboration, Assessment and Learner Support before program entry. Courses can then be submitted to the program, which are reviewed by a team of peer reviewers and then by the directors of the Exemplary Course Program.  If successful your course will receive recognition internationally from Blackboard and as part of the accomplishment you will also be invited to attend Blackboard World in Las Vegas, July 2014.

Last year I had the pleasure of collaborating closely with my colleagues to support and oversee our institutions’ debut submission of courses to the 2013 Blackboard Exemplary Course Program (ECP). As mentioned in my first ECP post back in January 2013. 2014 marks Edge Hill University’s second appearance with us submitting two more courses to the awards program, with one entry from the Faculty of Health and one entry from Learning Services.

For information on all the Catalyst Awards, please visit http://blackboard.com/catalyst.

Whether our submissions “win” or not, the fundamental aspect of receiving detailed feedback and insights to course recognition is always an investment worth making.  Participation in the program and the value of iterative improvements to our Learning Edge module areas is an accomplishment in itself.

Winning submission(s) are selected and notified during May 2014 and let’s hope Edge Hill University receives an Exemplary Course Award or two! If you have any questions or would like to participate in this year’s Blackboard ECP program please contact [email protected].

Mark Wilcock
Learning Technology Development Officer