The Master Online Course Recognition Award (MOCRA) was established in 2014 as an Excellence in Teaching award for the recognition of faculty teaching online courses. Nominations for this award come from instructors, faculty and students. Faculty nominated for this award are invited to answer a few questions when they submit information about their course and provide screenshots and additional information as needed. A committee selects winners using the Online Learning Consortium Quality Scorecard (OLC-QS) rubric and standards. The award covers the following categories:
- Course Technology and Tools
- Design and Layout
- Content and Activities
- Interaction
- Assessment and Feedback
Award winners are presented with a trophy and an MSU bookstore gift card during the Spring Faculty Awards Ceremony.
Due to Covid-19 precautions, the campus remains closed and MOCRA presentations are planned for the fall semester.
The 2019 Master Online Course Recognition Award winners selected are:
Best Overall
Jonathan Newman
ENG 491 – History of the English Language
Assistant Professor, COAL, English Department
“What I enjoy about online teaching is creating spaces for students to explore and guiding them as they satisfy their own intellectual curiosity.”
Best Technology and Tools
Vanessa Rodriguez de la Vega
SPN 317 – Medical Spanish
Assistant Professor, COAL, Modern and Classical Languages
“Personally, a key element when teaching online is to build connections among students despite the virtual environment. With this in mind, my online practices reflect the sense of community, a safe space to practice languages through low-stake tasks that will prepare students to successfully perform at their high-stake assessments.”
Best Assessment and Feedback
Amy Artman
REL 210 – Paths of World Religions
Instructor, MCHPA, Religious Studies
“Online courses provide so much opportunity for creativity, such as the use of video, music, art, as well as movies, and documentaries. Class discussions are often very engaged because everyone is involved- there is no back row in an online class.”
Best Design and Layout
Susan Bennett
THE 101 – Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts
Per Course Faculty, Theatre and Dance
“I love online education. Since my courses are general education, many of the students are surprised by how delighted they are to learn a subject outside their major or interest area. When students are thinking deeply, inspired, surprised, and amazed-nothing beats that.”