Listening, Learning and Leading: DELTA’s Commitment to Supporting NC State’s Distance Education Students 

NC State’s commitment to student success extends beyond the physical classroom. In an effort to continuously improve the digital learning experience, Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) conducted a student needs survey in the spring 2024 semester to better understand the unique experiences, challenges and opportunities for students enrolled in its distance education (DE) programs.

The survey, which was sent to more than 2,000 current DE students across eight colleges, garnered 318 responses – providing DELTA with valuable insights into how students perceive their connection to the university, the support they receive and their overall satisfaction with the DE experience.

What We’re Doing Well

Overall, DE students at NC State report feeling supported, engaged and valued. Eighty-four percent of respondents agreed that the university provides an environment for personal and academic growth, and 78% said they believe there are supportive resources available to them.

Support from instructors stands out as a clear strength. Nearly 9 in 10 students (87%) said they feel comfortable reaching out for help, and the majority indicate that their instructors are available, approachable and genuinely care about their success. Students also described strong advising relationships – many noting their advisors support their goals and allow them to set priorities based on their unique circumstances.

“NC State’s online programs should be considered the gold standard for online and distance education.”
— DE Student Survey Response

One particularly encouraging finding is that students overwhelmingly feel their DE experience is helping them grow both personally and professionally. More than 80% reported being satisfied with their overall program experience, and many praised the academic rigor and relevance of their coursework. In fact, one student shared that NC State’s online programs should be considered “the gold standard for online/distance education.” Others highlighted the strong technical skill development, instructor expertise and flexibility that make DE programs uniquely valuable.

In terms of community and connection, students feel most tied to their academic program. Eighty percent felt valued by faculty and noted that their peers’ input enriched their overall learning experience. Nearly 60% said they feel part of the NC State community overall – a promising figure for a group that overwhelmingly studies from a distance.

Technology and service delivery are also seen as assets. Students gave high marks to key university resources like Library Services, the Virtual Computing Lab, DELTA Testing Services and the Help Desk. Many expressed appreciation for the quality of course technology and instructor familiarity with the technology.

Where We’re Focusing Next

While many DE students report positive experiences, DELTA is using this feedback to identify and act on areas where improvement is needed, particularly around community-building, instructor engagement and course structure.

Enhancing Instructor Presence and Engagement

Students want more frequent and meaningful interaction with their instructors. Suggestions include increasing opportunities for real-time (synchronous) conversations, more visible instructor presence in online discussions, and greater clarity on instructor availability. DELTA is responding by promoting tools like Zoom, VoiceThread and Yellowdig – technologies designed to foster interaction, community and engagement in digital spaces. Additionally, DELTA continues to offer faculty development resources such as Humanizing Your Online Course and Perfectly Imperfect: On-the-Fly Videos to encourage instructors to make their presence felt in authentic, impactful ways.

Strengthening Peer Connections and Building Community

A sense of peer-to-peer community remains a challenge. Only 35% of respondents felt they mattered to fellow students, and just 28% reported feeling close to their peers. Tools like Perusall, which fosters discussion around course content, and Yellowdig, an alternative discussion platform, can also help bring students into more organic interaction with one another.

Improving Course Design and Practical Application

Students are calling for more engaging course structures and better connections to real-world applications. Many expressed a desire for more hands-on coursework, clearer alignment between course content and career goals, and more engaging formats for lectures and assessments. DELTA is equipping instructors with resources like the Cognitive Load Essentials and Micro-Learning with Digital Tools to help reimagine course delivery and maximize impact.

Furthermore, tools like PlayPosit and H5P allow instructors to turn static content into dynamic, interactive experiences –making it easier to maintain engagement and reinforce learning.

Increasing Awareness of Resources

While students rated most services positively, many simply weren’t aware of them. More than half had never used Career Services or the Virtual Computing Lab, and a notable percentage didn’t even know they existed. This represents a clear opportunity: DELTA and campus partners are working on better communication strategies to raise awareness of these valuable resources and ensure students can access them when needed.

Expanding Course Access and Flexibility

Students also voiced concerns about course availability and scheduling – especially in certificate and elective offerings. Some noted challenges finding enough courses to meet their program requirements, or expressed frustration that certain courses hadn’t been offered in years. DELTA is working with departments across the university to enhance the flexibility and availability of high-demand courses.

Looking Ahead

The insights from the Spring 2024 survey reaffirm NC State’s core belief that our DE students deserve the same high-quality, connected learning experience as their on-campus peers. As DE students continue to balance full-time work, family responsibilities and academic pursuits – often from miles away – the importance of community, communication and course quality becomes even more critical.

With this in mind, DELTA is renewing its commitment to:

• Enhancing instructor training and support for high-impact digital teaching
  
• Promoting tools and practices that build stronger peer and instructor connections
  
• Designing flexible, engaging courses that reflect industry realities and student needs
  
• Raising awareness of the wide range of university services and support available to DE students
  

As one student put it, “I’ve been able to learn new, challenging things that are helping me learn more about my interests.” At DELTA, we’re listening, learning and evolving to ensure more students can say the same in the years to come.