DELTA Featured in HigherEd TechDecisions
DELTA was featured in a recent article on HigherEd TechDecisions, which highlighted NC State’s unique blended learning environment as a successful example for other institutions.
Dr. Tom Miller, vice provost for DELTA, explained the university’s holistic conception of distance learning not as “a separate program or category” but as “a method of delivering education.” This effective course delivery relies on NC State learning management systems (LMS) that support both online and traditional course formats.
According to Miller, the most crucial component of a successful distance education program is having “a group of people who are real experts in teaching and learning with technology.” The importance of strong collaboration between faculty and tech savvy staff—particularly considering the ways online environments change what effective teaching looks like—is among the many “tips for success” the article draws from DELTA’s model.
Since 1999 when distance education began at NC State, nearly every one of its colleges has made a number of courses available online to students. Facilitating the successful online course delivery are well-known tools such as Moodle, Blackboard Collaborate and Mediasite, as well as the small studios on campus where professors can record the kinds of mini-lectures that are ideal for online education.
With a growing number of courses offered online, and with the robust developments DELTA continues to make in course delivery, the future seems bright indeed for distance education, both at NC State and across higher education.
- Categories:
