Bowie State Psychology Professor Receives Blackboard Catalyst Award

Katrina Kardiasmenos, an assistant professor at Bowie State University, received a 2013 Blackboard Catalyst Award for her technology-oriented redesign of the university’s introductory psychology course.

Kardiasmenos was one of 11 educators to be recognized by Blackboard, an educational technology service that designs web platforms for schools. Blackboard online services include classroom discussion boards and grade books for teachers.

When Kardiasmenos was tasked with redesigning Bowie State’s Psychology 101 course, she explored how she could harness Blackboard’s capabilities to enhance learning outside the classroom.

With the help of a $20,000 grant from the University System of Maryland, Kardiasmenos built a new course that includes online discussions, videos, and self-assessments. The online material produced the same learning outcomes as classroom instruction and often replaced lectures.

The effectiveness of the online material was clear after only one semester. Approximately 68 percent of students enrolled in the new Psychology 101 passed, compared to 62 percent enrolled in the traditional course, according to Bowie State University.

Blackboard recognized Kardiasmenos’s success with the Exemplary Course Award, which celebrates educators who design exciting and engaging courses with Blackboard technology.

Her psychology course was also honored as the Director’s Choice for Courses with Distinction because it exceeded Blackboard’s standards for an exemplary course, which include exceptional course design, interaction and collaboration, assessment and learner support.