UTEP’s CID Wins Blackboard Catalyst Award

Last Updated on August 10, 2017 at 9:02 AM

Originally published August 10, 2017

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

Members of The University of Texas at El Paso’s Center for Instructional Design (CID) earned a 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award. They were recognized during Bb World 2017, Blackboard Inc.’s annual user conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Representatives from UTEP's Center for Instructional Design (CID) earned a 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award. They are, from left, Cira Montoya Olson, Hector Gonzales, Christine Endlich, Jesus Presa, Julio Batiz and Adrian Enriquez. Photo: J.R. Hernandez / UTEP Communications
Representatives from UTEP's Center for Instructional Design (CID) earned a 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award. They are, from left, Cira Montoya Olson, Hector Gonzales, Christine Endlich, Jesus Presa, Julio Batiz and Adrian Enriquez. Photo: J.R. Hernandez / UTEP Communications

Cira Montoya Olson, CID director, Julio Batiz, Christine Endlich, Adrian Enriquez, Hector Gonzales and Jesus Presa won in the professional development category, which honors users of Blackboard programs that support and enhance the professional development of their faculty and staff.

“This award illustrates the commitment CID has to advance online learning and to support UTEP faculty,” Montoya Olson said.

CID, which is part of UTEP’s Extended University, works diligently through research and customer feedback to customize its Blackboard Teaching Online Academy (TOA) to best fit the needs of UTEP’s faculty and teaching assistants. As a result, more than 500 instructors have been certified to teach online at UTEP.

Blackboard, a global education technology leader, founded its awards program in 2005 to recognize innovation and excellence in the use of its products and services.

“Blackboard is proud to recognize this year’s Catalyst Award winners for their commitment to leveraging technology to improve the education experience,” said Blackboard Chairman, CEO and President Bill Ballhaus. “We look forward to continuing to work with these educators and institutions to support learner success, and to share best practices widely for the benefit of the education community.”