The Excellence in Online Teaching Awards, presented by Tufts Technology Services (TTS) Educational Technology Services, celebrates the outstanding dedication, creativity, and innovative teaching practices of instructors in Tufts’ online and blended academic programs. Students from these programs are invited to nominate exceptional instructors who embody the following qualities of excellence in online teaching:
Engaging Presence: The instructor cultivates a dynamic and supportive learning environment through frequent, personalized interactions. They leverage creative communication channels, virtual office hours, and opportunities to showcase their expertise, passion, and unique teaching persona.
Meaningful Interactions: The instructor designs inclusive and collaborative learning experiences that foster a strong sense of community. Examples of this include thoughtfully crafted group activities, stimulating discussions, and compelling challenges where learners actively engage with the instructor, their peers, and the course material.
Diverse Instructional Strategies: The instructor employs a rich repertoire of effective teaching methods and multimedia resources to cater to varied learning preferences. They provide multiple avenues for learners to explore topics in-depth, demonstrate their knowledge, and benefit from creative approaches to content delivery, such as innovative lecture formats or interactive learning modules.
Holistic Learning Support: The instructor nurtures critical thinking and self-reflection by guiding learners in making meaningful connections between course content, real-world applications, and personal/professional goals. They offer insightful feedback, facilitate metacognitive exercises, and create opportunities for learners to relate their academic pursuits to their lived experiences and aspirations.
Through this award, Tufts celebrates the exceptional efforts of online instructors who create transformative and intellectually stimulating learning environments. We encourage graduate students to nominate instructors who exemplify these qualities and contribute to their academic growth and success.
