As the nation rallies around Distance Learning Week awareness, Howard University is thrilled to announce a series of virtual events to mark National Distance Learning Week, an occasion to shine a light on transformative opportunities and the immense value of digital and online learning. Throughout this week, running from November 6-10, the Howard University community is invited to embark on an enlightening journey into the realm of digital education.

Morris Thomas, Ph.D., assistant provost for digital and online learning and director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA) will guide Howard's esteemed faculty experts through discussions about pressing topics in technology and distance learning. 

Each day of this special week, The Office of Digital and Online Learning will unveil a new episode, offering recorded conversations that provide diverse perspectives on how technology and distance learning are reshaping education, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering equity in academic access. 

Guest speakers will delve into various topics, sharing their insights and expertise. They include Joshua Valeta, Ph.D. from the Ministry of Education for the Nation of Malawi who is also the founding director of Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) and associate professor at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Valeta will offer insights into the influence of artificial intelligence and distance education and how they are redefining the landscape of education in Malawi. 

Olive Vassell, Ph.D., associate professor of digital media at the University of the District of Columbia, and a certified Quality Matters peer reviewer, will shed light on the crucial role digital and online learning has played in expanding her trajectory as an academic.  

Amy Yeboah Quarkume, Ph.D., a member of Howard University's faculty, holds dual roles as director of the master of science in Applied Data Science and Analytics and director of the Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership. “Dr. A” will discuss the new fully online master’s program and how data science empowers marginalized communities, illustrating the transformative power of data-driven approaches in addressing real-world challenges. 

The intricate healthcare landscape will be explored with the presence of Devora Winkfield, Ph.D., chair of undergraduate nursing; Caron Strong, DNP, ARN, graduate nursing co-chair; and Kyrone Davis, Ed.D., chair of health management and assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. They will discuss the launch of two innovative online degree programs at Howard University: the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Master of Health Administration, providing insight into these career opportunities.  

Members of the Howard community and the global education community are invited to join in Howard University’s celebration of National Distance Learning Week to discover how digital and online learning continues to reshape education and foster opportunities for all, regardless of background or location. Those interested can access recordings here.  

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.