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XCaliber Award

Recognizing exceptional, high-caliber contributions to technology-enriched teaching and learning.

Background

Established in 1996 by the Office of the Provost, the XCaliber Award — shorthand for exceptional, high-caliber contributions to technology-enriched learning activities — is presented annually by Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), part of the Division of Information Technology. Recipients receive a cash award and a commemorative plaque and are invited to showcase their award-winning activities at a special event.

Award Criteria

The XCaliber Award celebrates courses and significant projects that demonstrate exemplary use of technology and student-centered pedagogy, resulting in high-impact student learning. Such courses and projects typically involve:

  • Teaching practices that exhibit innovation, engagement, and reflection and foster students’ higher-order thinking skills and 21st-century skills, such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Learning environments that are technology-rich, student-centered, active, and authentic.

Eligibility and Selection Process

Courses and projects led by faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and teams (faculty, staff, and students) are eligible for consideration. Winners will be selected by the XCaliber Award committee. To be considered, the course (or significant course project) must demonstrate exemplary use of technology and student-centered pedagogy resulting in high-impact student learning. Applications will be evaluated for the level of innovation and impact.

Application Process

The 2023 nomination process opens in December 2022. Questions about the application process can be directed to tlos@vt.edu.

Recent Recipients

2022

  • Natalie Cherbaka, Melissa Tilashalski, Andrew Thomas, Kimberly Ellis, Matthew Garlington, and Ben LaBine: The Production Planning Game for ISE4204 Production Planning and Inventory Control (Team Award)

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

XCaliber Awards Chair

Dale Pike
Executive Director and Associate Provost
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies
dalepike@vt.edu