A&T to Mark National Distance Learning Week, Celebrate Extended Campus Growth

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will mark National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), Monday, Nov. 4, through Friday, Nov. 8, with virtual events and webinars highlighting all distance education has to offer.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) created NDLW to raise awareness and celebrate the impact of distance learning. This week offers faculty and students opportunities to engage in special events, learn more about distance learning resources and build a more robust online learning community.

NDLW comes at a time of strong growth in distance learning for N.C. A&T, which offers a variety of nationally ranked online undergraduate and graduate/professional degree programs, as well as certificate programs, that give learners the access, flexibility and affordability they need to succeed.

Recent data highlight the significant demand for accessible, high-quality online programs. North Carolina, for example, shows an online net loss of 65,634 students, with 115,679 students choosing to stay in-state, 73,585 opting for out-of-state programs and 7,951 coming from outside North Carolina to study here. These trends reflect both the competition and opportunities within the online education landscape, according to Gray DI. A&T’s strategic growth in online education aligns with this demand by providing robust, culturally responsive learning environments that meet students’ diverse needs, enabling them to thrive both academically and professionally.

Over the past five years, enrollment in A&T online degree and certificate programs has doubled, from 627 to 1,228, with substantial growth at every level.

This fall, A&T has online enrollment of 70 students from 41 countries, including 10 African nations.

Over the past five years, online courses have doubled as a percentage of overall A&T courses. Representation of in-person courses, meanwhile, has declined from about eight out of every 10 courses to now about three-quarters of all courses.

“North Carolina A&T proudly honors dedicated online learners, faculty, advisors, and staff who make education accessible, flexible and transformative,” said Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for Distance Education and Extended Learning. “They are crucial to our mission of providing a preeminent, diverse educational experience that advances the human condition.”

Recent studies show online education provides significant benefits in terms of accessibility and adaptability, enabling students to balance their academic commitments with personal and professional responsibilities. Research also indicates flexible, culturally relevant course content, such as Open Educational Resources (OER), can improve student engagement and retention.

“Some students opt to learn in place because of geographic limitations or personal preferences. Others need flexibility to complete their courses because of family or caregiving situations,” said Gwendolyn A. Godard, Ph.D., associate director for Distance Education. “By offering high-quality distance learning, North Carolina A&T is meeting people where they are to pursue higher education.”

NDLW Events for Faculty 

Less Stress, Greater Success: How OER Lowers Barriers & Elevates Learning, Tuesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Extended Campus invites faculty to explore the transformative impact of OER. This panel discussion will focus on how OER can make learning more accessible, reduce financial burdens on students, and allow educators to tailor course materials to better align with students’ academic and cultural backgrounds. Faculty, chairs, and staff will also be honored for their contributions to distance learning at A&T. Join the OER panel discussion.

Future of Online Tech: VisibleAI Discussion and Demonstration, Thursday, Nov. 8, noon to 1 p.m. Faculty are invited to a discussion on incorporating AI into assignments in a way that fosters critical thinking and transparency. We will preview Kritik’s new AI software, VisibleAI, ahead of its December launch. VisibleAI distinguishes between AI-generated content, web sources and original student work to provide a new level of transparency into the student’s learning process. Faculty can re-use all existing assignments and set an AI policy for how much AI use is appropriate. With instructor direction, this results in an environment of authentic learning and digital literacy. Join the Zoom discussion. 

USDLA Virtual Conference, Monday, Nov. 4, through Friday, Nov. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. Participate in this free virtual conference hosted by the USDLA, featuring a series of webinars that highlight best practices, tools and innovations in distance education. This event is ideal for faculty interested in enhancing their online teaching methods and staying informed about the latest trends. Register on the USDLA website for access to all sessions throughout the week. Register for the event. 

NDLW Events for Students 

BetterInvesting Finance Night, Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Connect with fellow online students and join a virtual session to boost financial literacy. Presented by the North Carolina Chapter of BetterInvesting, this event will cover practical insights for managing finances, provide networking opportunities with peers from other HBCUs, and offer critical resources for academic and career success. Register online to join the session and interactive experience. 

Celebrate an Online Faculty/Staff Member Submission Deadline, Wednesday, Nov. 7. Celebrate the outstanding faculty, staff, and departments that have made a meaningful impact on the A&T online learning experience. Submit a brief note to share your appreciation and recognize those who have supported your journey. Each submission will contribute to the theme, Celebrating the #AggieExperience, and show our gratitude for their commitment to your success.