Recognition

I have been fortunate to garner national and international recognition for my work in online learning communities - particularly, my work on three projects: AET Zone, Clipper, and CaseNET.

AET Zone
AET Zone is a patent-pending system and method of instruction that has been recognized internationally as a model environment for Web 2.0 learning applications.  An immersive, synthetic world, AET Zone has provided a means for connecting teachers and students across North America, Europe, and Australia.  In 2006, AET Zone was recognized with a Campus Technology Innovator Award.  Shortly thereafter, Network World Magazine published a feature article on our special world for learning.  In April 2007, the following patent applications was registered:

Riedl, R.E., Tashner, J.H., & Bronack, S.C. (2007).  "Virtual Education System and Method of Instruction" (application serial # US 11/739,866) registered with the USPTO on April 25, 2007.

The Clipper Project
The goal of the Clipper Project was to study the effects of offering web-based introductory college courses to high school seniors. The project considered four factors: implementation considerations, cost considerations, student learning outcomes, and faculty teaching outcomes. The National Commission on the High School Senior Year recognized the Clipper Project as a model program (page 45). You may click here to read what Wired magazine wrote about the Clipper Project.

CaseNET
I began working for the CaseNET project as a doctoral student at the University of Virginia.  Directed by Bob McNergney and funded by the Hitachi Foundation, CaseNET evolved from an on-site case study competition to a web-based repository of credit-bearing, case-based courses.  I developed the first CaseNET web-based system.  The system included: an online repository of multimedia cases, synchronous and asynchronous communications tools, a searchable library, a help/support system, and other functions now considered typical of course management and/or learning management systems.  The CaseNET system was created to facilitate online communication and collaboration between groups of inservice and preservice teachers from across the U.S., Canada, and Norway.  In 1997, CaseNET was recognized by NCATE and AACTE as an exemplary use of technology integration in the professional development of teachers.  In 2000, CaseNET changed its name to Casenex and became the first spin-off company in which the University of Virginia invested.

Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education
In 1998, a paper I co-authored entitled "Web-based Discussions: Building effective electronic communities for preservice technology education" was awarded the Best Telecommunications Paper Award at the annual meeting of SITE.  In 2000, the paper was published in the Journal of Technology and Teacher Education.