The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Online Consortium of Oklahoma (OCO) recently won a 2023 Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WICHE WCET) Outstanding Work (WOW) Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts by member institutions and organizations in applying innovative solutions to address a challenging educational need.
Established in 2018, OCO works collaboratively with 26 member institutions to facilitate online learning excellence across Oklahoma. Innovations led by OCO and recognized by the WOW Award include development of low- and no-cost professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, leveraging group purchasing for technology, facilitating collaborative user groups for student success initiatives and common online learning platforms, and hosting multiple annual events to share best practices. OCO supports the activities of the 100-plus-member Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE), which promotes professional development, learning equity, and student success pathways in online education.
“Online learning is a vital component of Oklahoma higher education and our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, and we are very proud of the work of the Online Consortium of Oklahoma,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “With more than 500 fully online degree and certificate programs available across the state system, our goal is to continue providing an innovative, academically rigorous online learning experience that expands college access and increases flexibility for students working to complete their degrees, including adult learners.”
In September 2020, OCO launched a dedicated website, OCOlearnOK.org, that provides 24/7 access to resources available through online education initiatives in Oklahoma, including collaboration opportunities in Open Educational Resources (OER), digital accessibility and advanced technologies. Users may access an on-demand library of digital resources targeting the critical areas necessary to effectively support and engage online learners.
A nationwide initiative, WICHE WCET is a leader in the practice, policy, and advocacy of digital learning in higher education. WCET is a member-driven organization that brings together colleges, universities, higher education organizations, and companies to collectively improve the quality and reach of digital learning programs.
For more information about OCO and online education initiatives in Oklahoma, visit OCOlearnOK.org. Explore online degree and certificate options offered by our public colleges and universities at https://px-dev.okhighered.org/state-system/degree-programs/online-degree-programs/.