FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College’s online campus, TCC Connect, has won another award for curriculum development. The Texas Digital Learning Association presented its Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Digital Learning (2 Year Higher Education) award to the TCC Connect eLearning Instructional Design Department at the annual TxDLA conference in March.
The award celebrates significant advancements in digital learning. The team, led by senior instructional designer Kim Estes, was recognized for its transformative contributions to digital education, particularly in artificial intelligence, accessibility and open education resources.
One judge cited the team’s innovative solutions and a commitment to excellence as key to its being honored.
“Their efforts in developing AI policies, continuously improving the peer-developed course program, and ensuring accessibility in digital materials are aimed at providing an equitable learning environment for all TCC students,” said Francisco Garcia, TxDLA Awards Committee chair and 2024-2025 TxDLA president-elect.
The eLearning Instructional Design team leads discussions on artificial intelligence in education, supports the faculty with resources to improve course accessibility, and developed the Campus Accessibility Roadmap.
Its work extends TCC’s influence globally through contributions to open education resources, conference presentations, published articles and multimedia support for international events on education topics.
“Winning this award is a testament to our team’s hard work and the collaborative spirit of our entire campus community,” Estes said. “The eLearning Instructional Design team’s focus has always been on fostering an inclusive and innovative educational atmosphere that not only meets the current demands of digital learning but also anticipates future challenges.”
TCC Connect offers flexible learning through online and weekend classes. Students can earn a fully online associate of applied science degree for select programs, as well as certificates and a variety of courses to help them achieve their educational goals.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.