University News
WIU's Hemphill Wins Nat'l Online Learning Award
June 25, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- A Western Illinois University educator has been lauded by an international technology society for her efforts in the online learning realm.
Leaunda Hemphill, an associate professor in Western's instructional design and technology (IDT) department, was recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) for her project, "Looking at Technology Integration Issues in the K–12 Classroom: A Cross-Cultural Collaboration." She was the only Illinois educator to receive commendation.
Hemphill integrated the use of virtual worlds, specifically Second Life, to create rich learning experiences for her students in IDT 534, Issues in Instructional Technology and Professional Development for Educators. Students at the Macomb campus work with students and educators in China to review opportunities in Second Life for K-12 teachers.
Sponsored by ISTE's Special Interest Group for Telelearning (SIGTel), the Online Learning Awards recognize creative educators worldwide for their pioneering use of telecommunications networks to provide innovative learning opportunities for students in grades K–16.
"Leaunda's recognition is impressive and well-deserved," said College of Education and Human Services Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps. "We have a central goal to provide a challenging and supportive learning environment that is widely recognized as meeting the new technological demands of a global society. Leaunda's work illustrates our commitment to meet this goal and to continue to advance in the field of education."
ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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