2.  UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

 

 

 

2.1  INTRODUCTION

As technological capabilities have progressed and the diverse needs of students have expanded, the development of a distance education program became a natural extension of the University of North Alabama’s role in providing “a solid foundation of common knowledge, skills, and insights based on general studies to meet the students’ needs for academic advancement, vocational attainment, responsible citizenship, and personal fulfillment” and “a broad range of high quality academic programs to prepare students to succeed in general, professional, preprofessional, and career fields founded in the arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing and allied health.”  (Statement of Purpose, Role, and Goals, University of North Alabama Bulletin)

 

The format and content of UNA’s Distance Learning Program is driven by the educational needs of current and potential students.  The program is under constant review and will be altered according to changing needs and expanding technological capabilities.

 

 

2.2  BRIEF HISTORY OF UNA’S DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

 

 

Project Focus                                                                                                             Time Frame

 

In cooperation with Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority, established Shoals Videoconference Center in Stevens Hall, Room 104	Fall 1995 through Spring 1996
Developed first Distance Learning Class (Art History) for broadcast on Comcast Cable, Channel 3	Fall 1996
Open House held for Shoals Videoconference Center	November 1996
Developed list of first classes to be videotaped in the Fall of 1997	Spring 1997
In conjunction with the Distance Learning Advisory Committee, developed general distance learning guidelines	May 1997
Designed and Installed Video Production Studio in Communications Building, Room 129	Summer 1997

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Project Focus                                                                                                             Time Frame

 

Joined the Intercampus Interactive Telecommunications System (IITS)	Summer 1997
Established relationship with area high schools and installed portable videoconference units for use in dual enrollment classes for students and professional development for high school teachers, staff, and administrators	Summer 1997
Videotaped first five classes in Production Studio and offered two Internet classes	Fall 1997
Through videoconference facilities, offered two dual enrollment classes (economics and political science) to Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, AL	Fall 1997
Videotaped an additional four classes and aided instructors in development of five new Internet classes	Spring 1998
Offered two dual enrollment classes (economics and political science) through videoconference to Athens High School, Athens, Alabama, and two criminal justice graduate level courses via IITS to University of Alabama-Huntsville campus	Spring 1998
Continued to work with university faculty to develop future distance learning classes for distribution through videotape, videoconference, and Internet	Summer 1998 and Beyond

 

 

2.3  DESCRIPTION

The University utilizes advanced technology systems to offer an ever-expanding array of credit-bearing courses via the Distance Learning Program.  Classes are taught using Internet-based instruction, videocassettes of classroom lectures, commercial tapes, live interactive video, or other advanced technology.  Distance learning makes higher education available to students who experience scheduling conflicts caused by geographic distances, employment, or family responsibilities.  The program holds the potential to reach both traditional and non-traditional students who have previously been underserved, including physically challenged students and those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder.  The technology-based distance learning courses offer independent, self-motivated students the convenience of flextime and home study or remote site instruction while requiring the discipline to meet deadlines and schedule requirements set by the course instructor.  Courses offered through distance education provide instruction at the high school (advanced placement/dual enrollment), undergraduate, and graduate levels.

 

At the present time, distance learning classes offered by the University of North Alabama are courses produced by UNA faculty, or are professionally produced audio or video programs licensed through the Public Broadcasting System, Adult Learning Services, or other reputable professional organization/agency and facilitated by faculty at UNA.  The Vice President for Academic Affairs has final authority in deciding the courses to be included in UNA’s Distance Learning Program.  These decisions may be made in consultation with the appropriate faculty member(s), department chairperson(s) and college dean(s).  (See Appendix 2.A for a sample description of distance learning classes.)

 

Normally, all credit-bearing courses are offered via the University’s Distance Learning Program, while the Office of Continuing Education is responsible for offering non-credit courses.  When an academic department or college needs special administrative and marketing support to reach non-traditional students successfully, it may ask the Office of Continuing Education to develop, in cooperation with the Office of Educational Technology Services, a distance learning course or program.  Credit-hour production accrues to the appropriate academic department and not to Continuing Education.

 

NOTE: All Appendices referred to in this and the following sections are on file in the Office of Distance Learning, 101 Stevens Hall. Telephone 256-765-4651 for more information, or e-mail bhill@unanov.una.edu.