Hampton University 

Martel A. Perry

Workshop increases HBCU online learning

Workshop increases HBCU online learning Hampton University's Religious Studies Program hosted the HU-BLUE Workshop on March 4-6 as part of its effort to advance online anytimeanywhere asynchronous) learning networks among HBCUs. The workshop was the third in a series and was funded through a $45,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. HU-BLUE (Building Learning Networks Utilizing Effective Technology) aimed to assist participating HBCUs in developing action plans that identify the next steps towards advancing asynchronous learning at each university's own academic setting. Asynchronous learning networks are the fastest approach to online distance learning by transforming education from site-based, time-bound experiences into flexible environments that allow a high degree of interaction and collaboration.

The workshop centered on the Sloan Foundation's five quality pillars: access, student satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, learning effectiveness and cost effectiveness. It also explored the mutual benefits of collaborating efforts amongst HBCUs to advance in online education. Martel Perry '72, executive vice president at Shaw University, addressed the attendees on the challenges and possibilities HBCUs face in developing asynchronous learning networks. He also proposed that HBCUs should be dedicated towards collaborating in these efforts. He believes that in order to keep up with today's distance education trends, HBCUs' partnerships are necessary. “Why can't I connect Shaw's Divinity School to Howard's? It's not a lack of digital infrastructure or technical issues. It's institutional will,” he concluded. Participating universities were selected based on regional proximity to HU. Elizabeth City State University, Howard University, Norfolk State University, St. Paul's College, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University each sent five representatives to the workshop. Alabama A&M University and North Carolina A&T University hosted similar regional workshops earlier this year. “The participating HBCUs utilized Sloan's five quality pillars in assessing their existing asynchronous learning programs with an eye towards improving them and laying the groundwork for future ones,” said Dr. William D. Booth, director of the HU Religious Studies Program and coordinator of the workshop. “The goal is to have [attending HBCUs] take a look at where they are and where they are going.”

HU has been a leader in asynchronous learning among HBCUs and has participated as a member of the Sloan Consortium partner since 2002. HU's Religious Studies Program is the only entirely online, accredited degree program in religious studies at an HBCU. It provides ministers and other adults the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies through distance learning. The Sloan Consortium is funded by The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and encourages the collaborative sharing of knowledge and effective practices to improve online education. The Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit institution that was established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., then president and executive officer of the General Motors Corporation.
-Alison L. Phillips

Participants in the 2007 HU-BLUE Workshop.
HU

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