For Dr. Sherry Robinson, the second time was the charm.

The Eastern Kentucky University English professor received a Kentucky Online Excellence Award from Kentucky Virtual University (KYVU) for what was only the second online class she ever taught.

Robinson, who also directs the University's Writing Center, was honored for her English 351 course, American Literature II. She was one of four professors statewide to receive the award.

"This award recognizes those faculty members who demonstrate a successful integration of instructional pedagogy and technological innovation in online learning," said William E. Myers, chairman of the Kentucky Online Excellence Award Committee.

As part of the contest entry process, Robinson was asked to select one principle of effective online learning that the course best exemplified. She chose "reciprocity and cooperation among students."

That's never an easy task with online courses, but Robinson facilitated interaction through three group projects and through weekly discussion questions where students even critiqued classmates' responses.

"For the group projects, they had to work together to create a single product, a 1,000-word essay," she said. "They had to figure out who was going to do what. This helped create a sense of community."

While online courses are by nature more convenient for learners, who can log on from home any time of day, they actually require more self-discipline, according to Robinson.

"Online courses also require students to think through their analysis. Most of the literature analysis I've seen in online courses is very good."

Robinson, who loves the personal, face-to-face interaction between teacher and student, admits she has some reservations about online courses, but said she is learning from experience how to "balance what I can contribute as an instructor and what the student is able to bring to the class."

Thirteen students, mostly juniors and seniors, were enrolled in the award-winning course last fall, which was offered through Kentucky Virtual University.

EKU's Department of English works with KYVU to offer several courses online. "Literature courses, especially, tend to work well," Robinson said.

Robinson joined the EKU English faculty in 1993.