CCSF [City College of San Francisco] recognized as national leader in online teaching and learning

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 31, 2005 — Two City College of San Francisco (CCSF) online courses have received the top two “Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming” awards through the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) at a ceremony held in October in Long Beach, California. “The USDLA awards have become the standard of excellence for recognizing achievement in distance learning,” said Dr. John Flores, CEO of USDLA.

USDLA is a nonprofit association founded in 1987 to promote the development and application of distance learning for education and training. They serve Pre-K though 12 education, higher education, home schooling, continuing education, corporate training, military and government training and telehealth. Their mission is to “serve the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking, and opportunities.” (http://www.usdla.org)

The first-place Platinum award was presented to David Doré for his online course Ownership and Operation of a Small Business (SMBS135).

David was one of the pioneering instructors who helped establish online teaching and learning at CCSF. David’s popular online course has helped countless students over the years become successful small business owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. The judges reported that his course provided an exemplary model for innovation in small business instruction.

David’s course was redesigned last year under the guidance of Patricia Delich, who directs the development of online courses at CCSF and is a doctoral candidate at Pepperdine University. Natalia Kutygina, a CCSF student intern, worked with David and Patricia and played a significant role in designing the course’s interface.

The second-place Gold award was presented to Donna Eyestone for her online course Digital Media Skills (BCST 119).

Donna’s course also won first place for “Best Online Course” in 2004 through the California Virtual Campus (CVC). Her course is popular with both students and instructors. The CVC judges reported that her course provides ample opportunity for student interactions, inviting students to become truly involved in the content. Additionally, the judges found that they wanted to enroll in the class and participate in its activities.

These two awards have extended CCSF’s recognition in the field of online teaching and learning to the national level. In addition to the two USDLA awards, CCSF online courses have received five statewide awards.

Mr. Don Lake, longtime USDLA board member and chair of the awards committee, noted that, “This year’s award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “The USDLA awards program honors outstanding contributions from across the spectrum of distance learning from satellite and videoconferencing to online distance learning programs. These are the best of the best.”

CCSF offers over 70 online courses in a wide range of disciplines. For more information about online courses offered at CCSF go to:

http://www.ccsf.edu/online/courses

Stephen A. Kech
Public Relations Officer
50 Phelan Ave.
S-194

San Francisco, CA
skech@ccsf.edu
(415) 239-3817
fax (415) 452-5150