Last year was one for the books in many ways. In the throes of a global pandemic, UTA students and professors had to take to the virtual space to gain what is usually imparted in traditional classrooms.
Karabi Bezboruah, associate professor in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs, handled the challenge so well that she won the 2020 United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) International Excellence in Teaching/Training Award. USDLA is the nation’s leading distance learning organization.
“I try to humanize my online courses and be available for my students,” she says. “Additionally, I use student feedback to improve every semester.”
A public and nonprofit management specialist, Dr. Bezboruah also incorporates e-service learning projects into her online courses.
“Experiential projects help students acquire critical thinking skillsets that are so needed in today’s workforce,” she says. “It makes the online courses more context-based and practical for students, which adds value to the curriculum.”
The prestigious USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning community.
“Each year we are impressed with the caliber of our winners,” says Rhonday Blackburn, president of USDLA. “They stand as examples for the world to emulate.”
