The Online Consortium of Oklahoma (OCO), in collaboration with the Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE), is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Technology Pilot Grants. These grants empower institutions to pilot cutting-edge technologies that enhance online learning, foster innovation, and support accessibility initiatives across Oklahoma’s higher education landscape.

This year’s grant program was highly competitive, with institutions proposing a diverse range of projects aimed at transforming online education. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the OCO has awarded funding to the following projects:

2025 OCO Technology Pilot Grant Recipients

1. Cameron University (CU)
   Project Title: Enhancing Media Production through AI Tools
   Amount Awarded: $3,600
   Primary Contact: Yanjun Zhao
2. Connors State College (CSC)
   Project Title: Enhancing Accessibility in Canvas LMS with ReadSpeaker and Ally
   Amount Awarded: $5,000
   Primary Contact: Chris McBeath
3. Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU)
   Project Title: Exploring Generative AI Tools for Enhanced Instructional Design
   Amount Awarded: $5,000
   Primary Contact: Jake Boedecker
4. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC)
   Project Title: OCCC Social Sciences AI Applications in Online Learning
   Amount Awarded: $3,000
   Primary Contact: Dr. J Hall
5. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC)
   Project Title: OSU-OKC Improving Online Course Accessibility with UDOIT
   Amount Awarded: $5,000
   Primary Contact: Tammara Williams-Dias
6. Rose State College (RSC)
   Project Title: Increase Student Engagement with Canvas Studio
   Amount Awarded: $5,000
   Primary Contact: Dana J. Lindon-Burgett
7. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOSU)
   Project Title: IMPACTing Learning through Data and Communication
   Amount Awarded: $5,000
   Primary Contact: Christala Smith
8. Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)
   Project Title: Innovating Pharmacology Education: Patient-Oriented Case Studies
   Amount Awarded: $3,495
   Primary Contact: Reem Atawia
9. Tulsa Community College (TCC)
   Project Title: Simple Syllabus Pilot – Implementation Fees
   Amount Awarded: $3,500
   Primary Contact: Jennifer Campbell
10. Tulsa Community College (TCC)
    Project Title: Scaling Coursera Access Through Faculty Cohort Training
    Amount Awarded: $1,500
    Primary Contact: Shannon Schwaebler
11. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO)
    Project Title: Promoting Student Engagement through Interactive Online Learning Activities
    Amount Awarded: $4,970
    Primary Contact: Kendall Walker
12. East Central University (ECU)
    Project Title: Virtual Reality Initiative
    Amount Awarded: $5,000
    Primary Contact: Darcy Duncan
13. Oklahoma State University (OSU) – Collaborative Project for OSU A&M System Institutions
    Project Title: Unified UpskillOK Non-Credit Micro-credential Expansion
    Amount Awarded: $10,000
    Primary Contact: Tim Whitley
14. Rose State College (RSC) – Collaborative Project for OKQM Institutions
    Project Title: Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate (STOC) Training
    Amount Awarded: $5,000
    Primary Contact: Dana J. Lindon-Burgett

Each institution will implement their pilot project during FY25, with funding supporting tools, training, and innovative initiatives designed to advance online education. Projects focus on various priorities, including enhancing accessibility, integrating new tools with Learning Management Systems (LMS), and scaling new technologies for broader adoption.

About the Grant Program

The LMS & Tools Technology Exploration Grants were established to encourage exploration of emerging technologies that integrate with LMS platforms and improve online teaching and learning. Individual institutions could apply for up to $5,000 in funding, while collaborative projects involving multiple institutions were eligible for up to $10,000. Total funding for FY25 was $50,000.  OCO members voted to extend funding for additional projects, raising the total to $60,065.

By piloting new technologies, institutions can collect valuable insights, paving the way for broader adoption and system-wide benefits.

Next Steps

Awarded institutions will begin their pilot projects immediately, with progress reports due by April 30, 2025. OCO looks forward to sharing the outcomes of these projects and their potential to elevate online education across the state.

Congratulations to all our grant recipients! Your dedication to enhancing online learning ensures Oklahoma remains a leader in innovative and accessible higher education.