Mary Rice receives ODLAA National Open and Distance Learning Award
Dr. Mary Rice, Associate Professor of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies, was awarded the National Open and Distance Learning Award in the K-12 category from the Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia.
The award citation says, in part, "Dr. Mary Rice has published over 100 items of scholarship about accessibility in K-12 online learning. Her work has been published in high quality journals, including ODLAA journals, as well as practitioner articles and in the popular press. Her work is well-cited and well read (e.g., her article about evaluating digital instructional materials for accessibility was accessed almost 30,000 times in 2 years).
Dr. Rice’s research and teaching contribute to what is known about serving children who have been identified with disabilities. She has been integral in national and state policy development for multiple U.S. states and several countries. Her research has led to more effective service planning that moves beyond accessing assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning (although these are important elements) and demonstrates holistic, child-centered planning and collaboration. Finally, Dr. Rice been a special editor twice for Distance Education about equity and accessibility."
The award is given annually to those who demonstrate excellence in open, online or distance education, an impact on student learning and engagement, fostering interactivity, engaging in professional learning, and contrributions to advancing open and online education.
