Online learning earns UCO recognition

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Innovations, Designs, Experiences and Applications (IDEA) team, housed within Central’s Center for eLearning and Connected Environments (CeCE), and Niccole Miller, Ph.D., senior director of strategic initiatives for student success and adjunct professor for UCO’s College of Business, were recently honored for their work in online or hybrid learning by the Oklahoma State Regents' Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE).

The UCO CeCE IDEA team was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Innovation for the second consecutive year, which recognizes their design method of continuous refinement to maximize effectiveness. Their goal is to enhance learning experiences around Central’s campus and create interactive learning tools and environments.

“This accomplishment highlights our team’s dedication and innovative approach to developing higher education resources,” said Linda Banks, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Academic Affairs at Central.

“The recognition drives us to continue exploring new horizons and developing creative solutions to enhance the educational experiences of our students, faculty and staff. We remain committed to fostering a culture of innovation, and we are grateful for everyone’s unwavering support in acknowledging this remarkable accomplishment.”

Miller was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Teaching, which recognizes her commitment to improving the quality and effectiveness of online learning experiences. Her instructional videos have made a significant impact on students, faculty and staff, including testimonial evidence of her support and guidance contributing to academic success.

"Dr. Miller consistently demonstrates a desire to excel and a willingness to innovate in all her endeavors," said Jeremy Oller, J.D., Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Business.

"This award is a result of the tremendous effort she puts into her course preparation combined with a passion to help our learners succeed.”

COLE is a framework that grows knowledge networks and advances collaborative initiatives that enhance student, faculty and institutional success and provides resources for supporting diverse missions of state institutions.

As part of the effort to improve online learning in Oklahoma, COLE members recognize the excellent work of faculty, staff and administrators at Oklahoma's colleges and universities. The Oklahoma Online Excellence Awards were established in 2017 to formally recognize individuals and teams for excellent work in online or hybrid learning.

For more information about COLE, visit www.okhighered.org/cole/.

For more information about the UCO College of Business, visit uco.edu/business.

For more information about UCO’s CeCE, visit cece.uco.edu.