Christine Liao has received UNCW’s Excellence in Online Education Award. The award is presented annually by the Office of Distance Education and eLearning to a UNCW instructor who has demonstrated outstanding, multi-faceted contributions to online teaching and learning in the past academic year. Dr. Liao is an associate professor and coordinator of WCE’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education program.
Jeremy Dickerson, associate provost, Office of Distance Education and eLearning, presented the award at the inaugural UNCW Faculty Awards Celebration on May 2.
“Christine’s online courses are exemplary,” Dr Dickerson said. “She engages students through interactive learning activities, uses diverse instructional materials and implements effective facilitation techniques. Christine utilizes a variety of technology tools to create transformative learning experiences and designs her online course to have real-world relevance as future art teachers. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Christine Liao!”
Dr. Liao earned her Ph. D. in Art Education from Penn State University. She joined the faculty at UNCW in 2012 and has served as coordinator of the MAT in Art Education program since it was introduced in Summer 2021. Her research areas include media arts, digital performance, theorizing virtual body and identity, exploring interactions between virtual and real, STEAM, artificial intelligence and technology in art education and intercultural education. She speaks three languages and is passionate about introducing international experience and culture to students while helping them realize their dreams of becoming an art teacher.
“Teaching online courses requires extra planning and the knowledge and skill to utilize technology effectively to engage students,” Liao said. “I strive to create engaging online courses and programs as I think the online format allows greater accessibility and is the trend of advanced education. My art MAT students told me that they were surprised to find out that they could make friends in an online program.”
WCE’s intensive MAT in Art Education program combines online courses with in-person and hands-on field experience to provide maximum flexibility for working professionals. During the final semester, students participate in full-time student teaching under the guidance of a mentor teacher and faculty supervisor. Successful completion of the program prepares students for obtaining NC K-12 art teaching licensure.
New cohorts begin each semester. Interested individuals can contact program coordinator Dr.Liao at liaoc@uncw.edu or visit the program website.
This article has the following tags: Watson College of Education Accomplishments