Metropolitan College Wins USDLA Best Practices Award
In conjunction with its 2015 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented Boston University with the Platinum Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming. The award recognized the Metropolitan College Department of Computer Science online course Quantitative Methods for Information Systems. Developed by Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science Anatoly Temkin and Distance Education Assistant Director of Instructional Design Daniel Hillman, the course is part of MET’s online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, which ranked #3 among the nation’s Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs by U.S. News & World Report this year.
Press Release
Boston University Metropolitan College Receives USDLA 2015 Platinum Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming Excellence
World’s most prestigious distance learning awards were presented yesterday in St. Louis, Missouri for excellence in distance learning to individuals, organizations, and companies.
St. Louis, MO—April 28, 2015: In conjunction with its 2015 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented Boston University with the Platinum Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming. The award recognized the Metropolitan College Department of Computer Science online course Quantitative Methods for Information Systems. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987 as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46 percent of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite, and blended learning delivery technologies.
These prestigious international awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Best Practices, Best Practices for Distance Learning Programming, Best Practices for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, and Hall of Fame.
Taught by Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science Anatoly Temkin, Quantitative Methods for Information Systems is part of Metropolitan College’s online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, which ranked #3 among the nation’s Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs by U.S. News & World Report this year. Dr. Daniel Hillman, assistant director of instructional design in Boston University’s Distance Education office, developed the course with Dr. Temkin.
“It’s great to work with an instructor who shares one’s enthusiasm for improving a course,” said Dr. Hillman. “What makes an online course extraordinary is not just a checklist of elements, but how the content, design, and technologies complement each other to reinforce what is being taught. We built a lot of features to ensure students receive feedback and guidance through seamless interaction with the content, the professor and facilitators, and each other.”
Professor Temkin offered some additional clues to the success of the award-winning course. “What is distinctive is the structure of lectures. The material is broken down to into manageable, five-minute recordings, so students can either read the material or watch the videos or do both,” he said. “I also call my online students to check in personally throughout the course.”
For Professor Temkin, it’s critical that students are able to successfully translate concepts learned in class to projects within their professions.
“Credit goes to Dr. Temkin and Dr. Hillman, as well as all of the online course facilitators and staff who provide invaluable support to students and faculty in the delivery of online courses,” noted Director of Distance Education Eric Friedman. “Platinum is the highest-level Distance Learning Programming award bestowed by USDLA—we are clearly at the top of our game when it comes to course design and delivery.”
“I definitely want to thank Dr. Hillman, Dr. Alison Pedley, and Dr. Jacqui Milton for their contribution to the success of this class,” said Professor Temkin.
The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning community. “As the premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, USDLA enjoys honoring leaders within the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, executive director of USDLA and program professor at Nova Southeastern University. “Each year these recognized leaders raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry as a whole. We are truly honored by their contributions within all distance learning constituencies.”
“This year’s USDLA Awards recipients represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K–12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said USDLA President Elaine Shuck.
“I’m very pleased that our online courses—and our excellent faculty and staff behind them—are again recognized for their superior quality,” said Boston University Metropolitan College Dean ad interim Tanya Zlateva. “Our courses represent the best practices in the industry while remaining academically rigorous, accessible, and affordable—they provide great value and intellectual excitement. And that is the hallmark of a world-class institution.”
About Boston University
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized private research university with more than 30,000 students participating in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. BU consists of 17 colleges and schools along with a number of multidisciplinary centers and institutes which are central to the school’s research and teaching mission.
The Distance Education office works with Boston University schools and colleges to develop rigorous, industry-relevant graduate programs that are fully online. Flexible and affordable, BU’s acclaimed online degree and certificate programs are team-developed by full-time faculty, instructional designers, and expert multimedia professionals, providing a state-of-the-art, accessible learning environment distinguished by individualized support for each student. For information about online programs at Boston University, visit www.bu.edu/online.
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking, and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k–12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling, as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. www.usdla.org
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Contact: Eric Friedman, Director of Distance Education
Boston University Metropolitan College & Extended Education
Email: efried90@bu.edu
www.bu.edu/online