Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University represented by Deanship of IT and Distance Learning achieved a global award from Blackboard Inc. “Catalyst Award for Leading Change 2018”.
Six winners from deferent countries were honored in the award’s branches. PSAU was among the honored six winners, where it was represented by Dr. Abdullah Albahdal Dean of IT and Distance Learning and his Vice Dr. Tahani Aldosemani. The award was delivered in the European held at Manchester University in the UK on April, 12/ 2018. The ceremony was attended by more than 400 participants from 101 universities from all around the world. Because of the importance of the award, the winners will be honored again in Blackboard conference 2018 that will be held in Florida, USA, on July 2018 in the presence of more than 2000 specialist in the e-learning field from 42 countries.
Dr. Albahdal clarified that the university earned this award because of the success of the “E-learning Pioneers” initiative that was launched in the female colleges. The initiative was built on the basis of modern theoretical frameworks that stimulate the creation and adoption of the change in the field of e-learning. A group of remarkable trainers was attracted from the university’s 15 colleges; they were trained on Blackboard system and provided with the skills that make them master t the system accessories (e.g. virtual classes, exams system, mobile system, and students experience). The initiative has resulted in the launch of more than 60 training programs that benefit the students and the faculty members.
It is worth mentioning, Blackboard Inc. award is given to the elite educational institutions in the field of e-learning and education. In addition, the winners have developed practices and techniques that have a measurable impact on learning outcomes, learners' performance, and academic progress. However, achieving this award reflects an international recognition with PSAU’s efforts in making and leading the change in the field of e-learning, which is an addition to the march of Deanship of IT and Distance Learning in this field.
