IHETS is a consortium of all public and private higher education institutions in Indiana.
The awards were sponsored by the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education (IPSE), the primary leadership committee within the IHETS consortium that focuses on program delivery and facilitation of eLearning courses and programs. Each recipient received a cash award for further professional development.
"We are proud to acknowledge these individuals for their outstanding contributions in developing e-learning opportunities," said Dave King, executive director at IHETS. "These are some of the most creative people working in e-learning in Indiana. Their efforts are examples for the state and the country to be proud."
Forty-six nominations were received from colleges and universities throughout the state. After careful consideration, five individuals were selected.
In the award category of Instructional Support for Distance Education Teaching, one winner was selected:
Jay Fern, enterprise systems and service liaison with University Information Technology Services at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis-Fern was acknowledged for providing leadership in instructional support for distance education teaching. He demonstrates creative and innovative approaches to the use of technology in teaching. Fern is recognized as the driving force behind the growth of Oncourse, Indiana University's course management system. He also received this award for his commitment to using technology in teaching at all education levels.
In the award category of Teaching in a Distance Education Program, one winner and one runner-up were selected:
Curt Bonk, associate professor of counseling and educational psychology, associate professor of instructional systems technology, at Indiana University Bloomington-Bonk has been an innovative educator in distance education programs. Since 1992, Bonk has designed and taught Web-based courses with components such as online debates, electronic portfolios and peer feedback tools. Bonk has used full-motion video conferencing since 1995, and continues to make advancements as he develops tools and resources. It is obvious that Bonk is deeply committed to expanding access to education through nontraditional means, such as Web-based instruction and videoconferencing.
William Dynes, associate professor of English at the University of Indianapolis (runner-up)-Dynes was acknowledged for his promotion of active learning. He works to make his distance learning classrooms friendly and encouraging learning environments. Dynes demonstrates innovation and creativity in his teaching strategies, while facilitating frequent and meaningful learner interaction. Not only does Dynes use technology effectively to enhance learning in distance education courses, but he is also an avid supporter of technology's roles in education throughout the learning environment.
And in the award category of Teaching with Technology, there was a tie:
Michael Slavkin, assistance professor of education at the University of Southern Indiana-With his practical teaching style and leadership in technology-enhanced teaching, Slavkin has served as a role model and innovator to other faculty. He was honored for his desire to provide leadership in technology-enhanced teaching by challenging other faculty to use technology as an enhancement to their coursework. Slavkin also helps students identify the importance of technology in the classroom by infusing student-centered practices into his teaching.
George Weimer, professor of teacher education and music at the University of Indianapolis-As a pioneer of technology integration at the University of Indianapolis, Weimer serves as a role model for his students and other teachers. Weimer effectively uses technology to enhance learning in on- campus courses. He greatly enhances his students' enjoyment of listening to long musical selections by creating interactive listening lessons. Weimer was also acknowledged for being an instrumental player in securing the first MIDI computer lab for the university's Music Department. By collaborating with faculty in developing a curriculum of technology courses, Weimer has demonstrated his desire to promote active learning.
IHETS is an integral part of the rapidly evolving telecommunications and educational technology environment in Indiana. Its mission is to help higher education in Indiana-working with K-12 schools, public libraries, public broadcasting stations and other identified education and information providers-enhance the development of human capital statewide through effective use of telecommunications and information technology.
For additional information about the awards, visit:
Nomination Text for Curtis Bonk
.
2003 IPSE Awards Press Release.