Congratulations to Helen Torigoe (LTEC Master’s graduate), Youxin Zhang (current LTEC PhD student), and their team at Kapi’olani Community College for winning the Teaching and Learning Award from Campus Technology! Campus Technology is one of higher education’s premier information resources for campus professionals.
The team was comprised of instructional designers Helen Torigoe, Youxin Zhang and Jamie Sickel, who brainstormed, did intensive research, interviewed faculty, examined curricula, experimented with cutting-edge technology systems and took an in-depth look at how their efforts would allow faculty to succeed before online audiences.
“Our goal is to offer balanced training in technology, pedagogy and facilitation skills in the online environment,” Torigoe said.
The Teaching Online Preparation Program (TOPP) allows faculty participants to experience, empathize with and become an online student while creating their own online or hybrid course. Participants in the eight-week, asynchronous, entirely online professional development program learn, practice, and build a sound and balanced training program. Faculty enrolled in TOPP also earn teaching credits or equivalences.
“Through the creation of TOPP, Helen Torigoe and her team have proven that when the teacher is the learner, the students’ learning experience is enhanced,” said Chancellor Louise Pagotto. “I applaud not just the empathy of a teacher for students, but also the promise of inclusivity in how we teach and prepare our students for the future.” Since starting in summer of 2016, TOPP has trained more than 75 faculty members, including seasoned tenured faculty, new tenure-track faculty, and lecturers across disciplines at Kapiʻolani CC as well as other campuses in the community college system.
