The Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Award

For over 20 years, UC Irvine has had the long-standing tradition of honoring teaching excellence during its annual Celebration of Teaching week which takes place every spring quarter. The campus community is invited to nominate individuals to be recognized for excellence in undergraduate teaching. 

The Learning Experience Design and Online Teaching Award was created in 2021 to honor a faculty member (Senate or Unit 18) for demonstrating pedagogical design (learning experience) excellence and creativity in effectively engaging students in an online learning environment.

The Review Criteria and Process
The review committee is formed by the UCI faculty, the instructional designers, and students focusing on three course design areas: (1) Online course and syllabus design, (2) Digital active learning strategies for student engagement, and (3) Inclusive teaching and student support. 

The review rubric is designed based on the five evidence-based principles for online teaching provided by Dr. Di Xu at UCI's Online Learning Research Center: 

1. ​Clear course materials and website 
2. Frequent communication and presence  
3. Help students connect with each other
4. Build in self-regulation support
5. Teach your students study skills