A) International and National Awards:
1) Quality Matters Certification Award for the ‘COMS 106: Introduction to Web Programming Course’ (2024).
https://www.cs.iastate.edu/shu-hui-susan-chang-earns-qm-and-celt-high-quality-certifications
https://iowastatedaily.com/301805/news/computer-science-professor-wins-quality-matters-and-celt-award/
2) Blackboard Greenhouse Exemplary Course Program Award. Excellence in teaching, research, course design, interaction and collaboration, assessment and learner support (2008).
3) Blackboard Exemplary Course Program Best Practice Award in Course Research and Design, and the Movement to an Entirely Online Format of COMS 103 while preserving 94% High Student Satisfaction Rate and Success (2007).
B) Iowa State University Awards
1) ISU CELT High Quality Certificate Award for the ‘COMS 106: Introduction to Web Programming Course’ (2024).
2) Computer Science Departmental Excellence in Teaching Award (2024).
3) The Master Teacher Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University (2009).
4) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching Award, Iowa State University (2008).
C) Certificates
1) Quality Matters Rubric 7th edition Workshop’s certificate (2024)
2) CELT Quality Matters (QM) Workshop’s certificate (2021)
3) Blackboard/WebCT Senior Certified Trainer
4) Postsecondary (College) Teacher License, State of Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Licenses.
Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang Earned Prestigious QM and CELT High Quality Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Course Design
9-06-2024

Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang from the Department of Computer Science has achieved both the prestigious Quality Matters (QM) certification and the CELT High Quality certification Awards for COMS 106: Introduction to Web Programming. This accomplishment positions the course among the best in the nation and internationally for course design and online teaching excellence.
Dr. Chang is the first professor in the Computer Science Department to receive these awards and the 21st professor at ISU to achieve this recognition. These awards underscore Dr. Chang’s leadership within the department, college, and university.
COMS 106 is designed for students with no prior web programming experience and attracts a diverse population from various fields such as education and engineering, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Teaching this course has been both rewarding and challenging due to the diverse student demographics. Dr. Chang has invested significant time in developing comprehensive course materials that accommodate different learning styles and the unique needs of students across majors and backgrounds.
Since 2003, Dr. Chang has taught over 23,000 students, generating more than 91,000 credit hours, including those from COMS 106, and has made a significant contribution to the financial strength of the department, college and university. Her dynamic and inclusive teaching style ensures that her courses are accessible to students at all levels and disciplines. The advanced knowledge and practical skills students gain in her computer science courses consistently prepare them for success in their careers. Dr. Chang's unwavering commitment to student success is reflected in the consistently high satisfaction ratings she has earned throughout her 21 years at ISU. COMS 106, one of the standout courses she developed and taught, showcases her dedication to student success and academic excellence.
For the past 10 years, consistently high student satisfaction scores and positive feedback have highlighted the impact of Dr. Chang's teaching. Students have learned effectively and enjoyed the course immensely. Dr. Chang's dedication to excellence in teaching has benefited a broad population of ISU students.
According to U.S. News, the web programming job market is very strong, with employment in this area expected to increase by approximately 17% in the next 10 years. Web programming jobs rank among the top technology, STEM, and overall job rankings. COMS 106 Web Programming course is crucial for students' future careers, making it highly valuable for ISU students.
Quality Matters (QM) is esteemed worldwide as the leading authority in quality assurance for online education and digital teaching and learning innovation. It sets a benchmark for excellence in course design and teaching, influencing educational practices globally. The course underwent a rigorous evaluation by three independent external QM-Certified reviewers and three ISU QM-Certified internal reviewers, utilizing a research-based rubric comprising eight comprehensive standards and 44 specific standards. CELT senior manager Dr. Lesya Hassall praised that ‘in meeting these rigorous course design standards COMS 106 course was found to be well-aligned for a consistent, quality, student-focused experience.’ The course demonstrated its adherence to the highest benchmarks in online course design, achieving an exceptional score of 98%, showcasing a strong dedication to these stringent criteria and fostering a vibrant, accessible exemplary learning environment.
Reviewers commented that Dr. Chang effectively "promote instructor and learners' interaction and communication, organization, and student engagement throughout the semester, contributing to a positive learning experience.” By integrating innovative technologies and sound teaching pedagogies, Dr. Chang has significantly enriched the learning experience for students. Dr. Chang’s exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and diligent efforts in course design and teaching were recognized by CELT and QM reviewers, highlighting Dr. Chang’s leadership in advancing quality in online education at Iowa State University.
Assistant Provost and Executive Director of CELT, Dr. Sara Marcketti, added to this praise, commenting, “Congratulations on this huge accomplishment! You have been a dedicated CELT friend, always looking to improve your students' experience. Congrats again!” This recognition from the highest levels of the university underscores Dr. Chang's consistent dedication to advancing high-quality online education at ISU.
Dr. Chang’s success has garnered high praise from department leadership. Dr. Pavan Aduri, the interim chair of Computer Science, emphasized, “This outstanding achievement of earning both the Quality Matters and CELT High Quality Certifications for COMS 106 highlights Susan’s dedication to excellence in teaching.”
Reviewers commended Dr. Chang’s course design and teaching, citing its transformative approach to student engagement and learning outcomes. They praised its exceptional organization, robust communication between the instructor and students, and engaging active learning activities that facilitate content mastery and drive student success. The course fosters active student participation with ample opportunities to develop programming skills through weekly real-world hands-on assignments, while cultivating a robust online learning community to ensure outstanding student outcomes.
Particular recognition was also given for the course’s accessibility, often a difficult and challenging aspect in STEM fields. CELT senior manager Dr. Lesya Hassall praised the course for meeting QM Accessibility General Standard 8, ensuring ease of use and readability —a crucial factor in designing and teaching online courses.
CELT Instructional Designer II, QM-certified reviewer and coordinator Mr. Todd Vens congratulated Dr. Chang’s on her remarkable accomplishment, stating, "The COMS 106 course is now featured in the prestigious QM national database and on CELT’s list of ISU QM-certified courses. Corresponding Quality Matters and CELT High Quality course badges have been added to the COMS 106 homepage."
COMS 106 exemplifies ISU’s commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences. This course reflects the department and university’s mission of fostering life-long student success through innovative, well-structured, top-tier course design, combined with excellence in teaching.
These certifications validate Dr. Chang’s expertise in innovative course design and transformative teaching while affirming their leadership and significant contributions to educational quality at ISU.
Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang Earned Prestigious Computer Science Departmental Excellence Award in Teaching
10-17-2024
