eArmyU improves educational access for soldiers; but HBCUs may be missing out due to distance learning incapacity - Special report: African American in technology - Cover Story - distance learning

Black Issues in Higher Education, Feb 28, 2002 by Phaedra Brotherton

While the faculty and provost have been very supportive and positive about the program, North Carolina A&T has decided not to apply to continue participating in the program at this time. The institution plans to take some time to re-evaluate its online offerings and to address the communication and response support issue. The institution plans to continue its commitment to the eArmyU students currently enrolled in the program.

Despite the early challenges, Thurman Guy, special assistant, vice chancellor of Information Technology and Telecommunications at North Carolina A&T, says the school has realized many benefits from its participation in the program. He says the faculty has been able to be involved with a very targeted, motivated population and have been able to develop teaching skills for distance learning. Guy says these skills also s will be applicable in the traditional classroom.

North Carolina A&T is one of the few HBCUs offering a full degree program online. While many HBCUs offer at least a class via distance learning, efforts need to be beefed up to offer more full degree programs, says Stephanie Meyers, vice president of RJ Meyers Publishing and Consulting and principle investigator for the 2000 NAFEO sponsored study, "Historically Black Colleges and Universities: An Assessment of Networking and Connectivity."

The study found that two years ago, 85 percent of HBCUs were not offering full degree programs via distance learning, but planned to in the future. Most were offering individual courses or offering programs in conjunction with other institutions.

"Schools now need to move toward providing direct degrees," Meyers says.

Meyers says the study showed that most have the infrastructure to provide Web-based classes, but one of the barriers is that not enough faculty are skilled in using and developing Web-based classroom instruction tools.

Faculty training and development is an important area to strengthen in order for more HBCUs to offer degree programs through distance learning, Meyers says. And, she adds, culturally based training programs are key to addressing this issue.

"There are scores of programs available, but it's important that programs take into account the cultural background of the faculty at HBCUs. They must recognize that many of the faculty may not be comfortable with technology tools."

A second issue preventing HBCUs from taking advantage of such programs as eArmyU is the lack of innovation in producing online content that goes beyond the standard Web site, Meyers says. Most schools have a Web site that provides basic introductory information about courses and faculty, but the sites can't support student registration online or students accessing classes or class notes online.

"That's what students want to do today," Meyers says. "There is a growing interest for distance learning for the students who are enrolled (physically) at the school. Many would like the option to download class assignments, take tests and complete assignments through the Internet."