Your Instruction. Your Innovation. Your Impact.
The Innovation in Online Design and Teaching Award celebrates USF faculty who make online learning more engaging, meaningful and effective through creative teaching practices and thoughtful course design.
Applications Due December 7, 2026
Not sure if you qualify for this award? You might be surprised!
Innovation Comes in Many Forms
Innovation comes in many forms, from introducing new approaches to creatively adapting teaching practices. Applications are evaluated across four key areas that highlight creativity, thoughtful course design, engaging online learning experiences, and meaningful learning outcomes. Explore the criteria below to see how your approach to online teaching could stand out.
Innovation and Creativity
Creativity, purpose, and distinctiveness of the online teaching approaches and strategies.
Online Learning Experience
Quality and intentionality of teaching practices that create an engaging, active, and supportive online learning experience.
Impact on Student Learning
Strength of evidence demonstrating positive impact on student learning, performance, or other meaningful learning outcomes.
Integration of Teaching and Course Design
Intentional alignment between teaching practices and course design, including how design choices enable or strengthen the approaches described.
Get Inspired from Past Winners
Who Can Apply?
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Instructor-of-Record
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Recent Online Course Development or Refresh
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Course Quality Review
Know a faculty member doing innovative work in online teaching? Encourage them to apply! Associate deans, program directors, and other college leaders can help spread the word and recognize faculty doing exceptional work.
Three Steps to Showcase Your Innovation
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Explain: Share your innovative teaching inspiration, approach and applications in a narrative of up to 2 pages.
- Show: Give reviewers a narrated, screen-recorded Canvas course tour of up to 5 minutes.
- Demonstrate: Provide up to 3 pages of evidence showing the impact on student learning, performance and feedback.
Ready to Share Your Innovation?
Your approach to online teaching might be exactly what this award celebrates. Explore the official guidelines, confirm your eligibility and submit your application by December 7, 2026.