While some view online coursework as a solitary experience, Dr. Trina Wood of the University of West Georgia demonstrates that authentic collaborative learning can thrive in the virtual environment. Her ability to recreate the energy and connection of face-to-face instruction in an online setting recently earned her the prestigious Regents’ Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, presented by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
Receiving the award was a moment of deep reflection for her.
“It took a little time to process that it was actually happening,” she admitted. “More than anything, I feel incredibly honored and humbled. It’s validating to have your hard work and dedication recognized, especially by your peers.”
Wood, however, credits much of her success to her students and the supportive environment at UWG and in the College of Education.
“This award reflects the incredible students I am privileged to teach—students who embrace innovative learning opportunities in a virtual space,” Wood remarked.
Central to her teaching philosophy is virtual teaming: a collaborative, high-impact practice that challenges traditional, often passive, models of online education. In her courses, students are strategically assigned to teams, provided dedicated Zoom rooms and scheduled for regular meetings throughout the semester. Together, they solve scenario-based problems, engage in real-time dialogue and practice essential collaborative skills, bringing vibrancy and connection into the virtual classroom.
When Wood joined UWG full-time in 2020, a pivotal year when the world was searching for ways to stay connected, she realized students would need more than just remote assignments.
“Virtual Teaming was developed as a means to help my students find a way to connect, engage and support one another, not just through assignments, but through real-time interaction,” she explained. “Right now, I’m working with 25 teams of four students each. They meet synchronously four times per semester and collaborate outside those meetings as well. It’s not just about mastering content; it’s about learning together.”
This pivotal experience reshaped not only her students’ engagement but also forever changed her approach to virtual instruction.
“I realized online collaborative learning, when designed with intentionality and purpose, could be just as engaging, impactful and community-driven as in-person education,” Wood observed. “From that point forward, my focus has been on creating learning opportunities with collaboration as a central tenet.”
Each semester, Wood organizes more than 25 four-person teams, personally joining each group for brief check-ins to observe their interactions, facilitate deeper learning and ensure students feel seen, supported and connected throughout the course. This time-intensive commitment is one she embraces fully but acknowledges would not be possible without the support of her institution, college and department.
“I am fortunate to be a part of the University of West Georgia and serve in the College of Education where innovation in online education is not only supported but celebrated,” Wood said. “The ability to develop collaborative, high-impact learning experiences in a virtual platform, and to know that my institution and college value and support these efforts, has been instrumental in my growth as an online educator.
Dr. Jon Preston, UWG’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, lauded Wood’s achievement.
“Dr. Wood’s dedication to innovation in online learning and her support of her colleagues exemplify the best of what we strive for at UWG,” Preston said. “Her leadership in virtual teaming and the Faculty Support Mentor program has elevated the quality and reputation of one of our largest academic areas, special education, on a national scale. This recognition is a well-deserved affirmation of her outstanding work.”
To learn more about UWG’s nationally recognized Special Education program—which prepares educators to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities through innovative, inclusive teaching practices—visit the College of Education Special Education webpage. With a variety of robust degree offerings, the program is dedicated to developing reflective educators who positively impact students with unique needs across Georgia and beyond.
