News and Events

MSN Nurse Educator Program Earns Prestigious Quality Matters Program Certification for Online Program Design

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

UNCW's MSN Nurse Educator (MSN NE) online graduate program in the School of Nursing has earned a Quality Matters (QM) program certification for Online Program Design, demonstrating the program's commitment to providing UNCW students with an exceptional online learning experience. In partnership with the Office of Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL), the MSN NE program and DEeL team worked collaboratively to implement top-to-bottom quality in key areas of program design. 

QM is an international leader in quality assurance in online and hybrid learning environments, and the QM Online Program Design certification represents the MSN NE program's commitment to a gold standard of high-quality program design. The MSN NE program is the first program at UNCW to earn QM program certification and the first nursing program in the UNC system to receive this prestigious certification. It joins programs from NCSU and UNCC as one of only three QM-certified programs in the UNC system. 

Are you interested in how you can leverage QM Tools and DEeL services to enhance quality in your online/hybrid courses and programs? Contact elearning@uncw.edu and a member of our team will be happy to provide additional information. 

Quality Matters Certification Journey in Online Nursing Program

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Faculty in an online accelerated graduate nursing program at the University of North Carolina are working towards Quality Matters (QM) certification for their online program design. Interim Associate Director for Academic Programs, April Matthias, Associate Professor of School of Nursing, Ruthanne Palumbo, Senior Instructional Designer, Zach Morgan, Instructional Technology & Videography Services Manager, Colin Taper will be presenting on their journey at the UNC QM Council Annual Summit on February 9th, 2024.

Their presentation is titled "Alignment, Accessibility & Plans for Continued Success: Building the Foundation, Overcoming Gaps, & Adopting Policies for Online Program Design Certification." It will highlight several key aspects of their experience in working towards QM certification.

First, the faculty strategically addressed curriculum alignment to ensure a solid foundation for course revisions needed for certification. They will share their process of re-evaluating the curriculum as well as course templates and documents used by faculty to ensure proper alignment.

Additionally, they discovered knowledge and technical gaps related to accessibility in online course design. To overcome this, they used professional development and collaborated with their Distance Education and e-Learning (DEeL) office to launch an accessibility initiative utilizing graduate students.

Finally, to facilitate continued development of faculty expertise in online course design, they adopted new policies and program assessment procedures. These include self-assessment requirements and professional development frameworks provided by their DEeL office.

The presentation promises to be an insightful overview of this nursing program's journey towards Quality Matters certification for online program design. It will enable attendees to learn from their strategic efforts around alignment, accessibility, and plans for ongoing success.

Generative AI Sparks Robust Conversations at Recent Faculty Presentation

Friday, November 10, 2023

Last month, a faculty development workshop on generative AI tools sparked lively discussions among attendees. The event was a collaboration between UNCW’s School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) and the Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) team.

According to Colin Taper, Instructional Technology & Videography Services Manager with DEeL, conversations centered around key topics like the capabilities and limitations of AI detection tools, using AI to create virtual tutors, developing course policies for AI, and the need for faculty to gain hands-on experience with emerging generative AI.

When asked which ideas resonated most, Zach Morgan, Interim Director of Instructional Design, shared that “the audience had robust conversation around the possibilities for AI to enhance learning and remove barriers to innovative pedagogical practices. There was particular interest in leveraging AI to provide more personalized and equitable learning experiences for students."

Morgan also shared, “SHAHS faculty asked incredibly thoughtful questions about AI usage across disciplines and how faculty could work together to develop expectations at the program and school level.” And he noted, “After the workshop, it was fantastic to see a number of participants staying late to continue to engage in collegial dialogue as they shared their thoughts on the intersection of AI and higher education.”

Events like this workshop showcase the excitement and interest among faculty to explore emerging technologies, while also grappling with challenges responsibly. As generative AI continues rapidly developing, finding opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing will be key for educators seeking to integrate these tools thoughtfully.

Generative AI and Academic Integrity: Key Takeaways from School of Nursing Presentation

October 11, 2023

Recently, Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) hosted an informative presentation on the implications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for academic integrity. As artificial intelligence capabilities rapidly advance, educators are wise to proactively consider how to maintain academic standards while also recognizing the potential benefits of AI. Presenters from the DEeL team included Colin Taper, Instructional Technology & Video Services Manager,  Zach Morgan, Interim Director of Instructional Design, and Senior Instructional Designers,  Brittany Denning and Jennifer Sias.

Elise Thompson, Associate Professor of Nursing, shared that the presentation effectively conveyed both the complexity of generative AI and practical steps faculty can take in response:

"The School of Nursing faculty has had a concern about student use of generative AI to produce work that students could submit for assignments. The DEeL team provided a comprehensive overview about generative AI and potential implications for student work and for faculty. We learned more about how AI could and could not be used and how to recognize when students may be using this."

Thompson added that one key takeaway was the importance of modifying assessments and assignments with AI in mind:

"We reviewed what students should know about AI, the rationale why students may choose to use AI which could be considered academic dishonesty, factors that influence students, and how to recognize AI. We discussed reasons to modify current assessments to lower the stakes, prepare students for these assignments, and give students a choice. The DEeL team offered questions we could ask ourselves regarding assignments and gave us options for renovating or rebuilding assignments with AI in mind. We discussed when AI could be useful in creating assessments for students and what methods we could use as instructors to deter the use of generative AI through the types of assignments we use. Faculty will benefit from this education to implement meaningful assignments to ensure the rigor of the RN-BSN program. DEeL gave instruction for our faculty to focus on the student and to understand the best ways to deter the use of generative AI through the assignments we use."

By focusing on thoughtful assignment design and open dialogues about AI, this presentation equipped faculty to thoughtfully navigate the emerging landscape of generative technologies.

Bringing Educator's Visions to Life Through Video Collaboration

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

"Working with passionate educators to bring their vision to life through video is one of the most rewarding parts of my job," says Jack Horn, Video Producer for Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) at UNCW. "I've had the pleasure of collaborating with several extraordinary professors recently, who have inspired me with their creativity and dedication to crafting memorable learning experiences for their students."

DEeL recently hosted a faculty recognition event on Wednesday, September 27th highlighting the accomplishments of innovative educators, including:

• Dr. Nella Jara, senior lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and recipient of DEeL's Excellence in Online Education award
• Dr. April Braswell, Associate Professor in the College of Health and Human Services and winner of a silver Telly Award for her video series Pediatric Comfy Care Clinic
• Jamy Chulak, Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Health and Human Services and one of the first participants in DEeL's Video Innovation Project creating simulation-based case studies

DEeL provides opportunities for faculty to collaborate with the video production team with our Innovation Projects, to bring innovative teaching ideas to life. Working together with Jack Horn and the production team including Colin Taper,  Instructional Technology & Videography Services Manager, Brittany Denning, Senior Instructional Designer, and Chris Cea, Video Technician, they collectively design and co-create engaging educational experiences for students.

Reflecting on working with these talented educators, Jack shared:

"Dr. Jara's meticulous and passionate approach in the recording studio was a joy to witness as we brought her Spanish-language course videos to life. She cared deeply about capturing every detail with precision for the benefit of her students. It was clear that her course would provide tremendous value for learners given the effort she put into the videos."

"Dr. April Braswell imagined innovative scenarios that went beyond our typical video productions to actively engage her students. I could envision her imaginative videos winning awards early on. Her charismatic on-camera presence brought the material to life in a fun and meaningful way that is certain to help students grasp key concepts."

"Jamy's ambitious project uses an immersive case study approach, allowing students to explore diagnosis and treatment by navigating key settings. This novel concept will deeply resonate with learners. Contributing to this engaging project that is sure to captivate students has been extremely rewarding."

Jack concluded, "It has been so motivating to work with these and other talented educators who are fully dedicated to creating the most dynamic and effective learning experiences possible for their students. Their passion for teaching is contagious, and it makes producing each engaging video project a true labor of love. I’m honored to play a small role in helping bring their vision and creativity to life."

At the event, attendees were able to engage with these educators, explore their courses, and experience simulations, lectures, and applied learning demonstrations, getting a window into the innovation happening across modalities.

Essential Online Teaching Techniques at Focus in SHAHS Training

Thursday, September 18, 2023

UNCW’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning Instructional Design team facilitated professional development training for faculty within the School of Health & Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) that focused on best practices in online teaching and learning.

Dr. Lindsey Nanney, Associate Director for Academic and Students Affairs within SHAHS, remarked on the impact of this training, “The custom workshop DEeL created for our online and hybrid instructors in the SHAHS was a great way to start the semester. Our instructors felt comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas and gained value insight from DEeL and colleagues. They left feeling more confident and competent teaching online when they left”.

Training topics varied from increasing social presence to cultivating meaningful online learning experiences, all essential to building a strong foundation within an online course. As a result of this collaboration, customized training sessions are being developed to better assist SHAHS faculty that are new to online teaching in the upcoming semester.

Collaborative Fall Kick Off for DEeL and Cameron School of Business

Thursday, September 14, 2023

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's (UNCW) Office of Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) started the fall 2023 semester by teaming up with faculty from the Cameron School of Business for program-specific workshops. DEeL collaborated with professors in the M.S. in Finance & Investment Management, M.S. in Business Analytics, and M.S. in Supply Chain Management programs to brainstorm and prepare for the upcoming fall term.

The workshops, led by Colin Taper, DEeL Instructional Technology and Video Services Manager, and Zach Morgan, DEeL Interim Director of Instructional Design, were held over two days. They covered reviewing program objectives, techniques to increase faculty presence in online courses, available tools and resources for faculty and students, and more. Though focused on distance learning, the sessions provided helpful best practices that could be applied to in-person and hybrid formats as well. 

Nivine Richie, faculty in the Cameron School of Business, remarked, "It was a pleasure collaborating with the DEeL team to create and deliver workshops for our specialized online masters programs. The instructional designers really heard us as we described our program needs and developed interactive sessions to help us achieve our goals."

Steve Horan, also Cameron School of Business faculty, added, "As professionals, we are constantly honing our craft. The online learning workshop delivered by DEeL was a tremendous help in that endeavor. Colin and the DEeL team gave us confidence to leverage our unique skills and keep us focused on identifying and enabling student outcomes in an online format."

The fall semester collaboration and workshops display DEeL's commitment to working with faculty to optimize online education at UNCW. By partnering early and often, DEeL helps instructors prepare for and execute high-quality distance learning experiences for students.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING OFFERINGS FOR UNCW SUPPORTED INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

Monday, August 21, 2023

Distance Education and eLearning is offering up vendor trainings for our UNCW supported, instructional technology tools. These include Respondus, Echo360 and VoiceThread.  Visit our pprofessional development page to learn more.

DEeL Launches Turnitin's AI Detection Feature Content in the DEeL Tutorial Portal

Thursday, August 3, 2023

UNCW’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning, has launched new content in the DEeL Tutorial Portal about Turnitin's AI Detection Feature within Canvas.  This content shares about how to access Turnitin's AI Detection Feature within Canvas, how to mitigate a potential AI Submission in your course, how to design a course with AI in mind and more. This content provides numerous resources in regards to generative AI writing, guides and rubrics when working with potential generative AI submissions.  Read more.

Innovative Project Wins Telly Award for UNCW Distance Education and eLearning 

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023

The video production team in UNCW’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning, in collaboration with Dr. April Braswell, Associate Professor, School of Nursing (UNCW College of Health and Human Sciences) has been awarded a Silver Telly in this year’s 43rd annual Telly Awards. 

The Office of Distance Education and eLearning was a Silver Award winner in the “Series – Online” category for its Pediatric Comfy Care Clinic project, a virtual advanced practice nursing clinic developed by Dr. April Braswell in a pediatric doctoral course in the UNCW School of Nursing program. 

Video Producer, Jack Horn shared, “Dr. April Braswell has been able to craft some creative scenarios for the students. I was consistently impressed with her hard work and dedication to this project we produced. I believed her creativity really helped the students to learn each scenario in a fun and informative way.

The Telly Awards was the perfect place to enter Dr. Braswell's project. It's an international showcase that receives over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. So to win a Silver Telly award is a very exciting honor to be recognized with some of the top winners worldwide.”

Read more.

JOIN US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TLLS INITIATIVES, SERVICES, AND SPACES

Thursday, August 9, 2023

Teaching, Learning, and Library Services (TLLS) is honored to invite you to our August 24, 2023 Open House! Join your colleagues from UNCW Library, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), and the Office of Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) for an afternoon spotlighting opportunities, services, and upcoming events for UNCW faculty and instructional staff.   

Guests can circulate between themed tables, attend informal mini-sessions, and enjoy coming together at the beginning of a new academic year. You’ll also have a chance to check out some of the fantastic current (and future!) spaces that UNCW Library has to offer.

And, if all of the above isn’t quite enough, there will also be giveaways!

Refreshments and light snacks will be served. Please contact crowes@uncw.edu with questions. 

ReCharge 2023

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023

View our ReCharge panelist session, Designing With Quality in Mind.

Dr. Florence Martin (NCSU) shared about asynchronous and synchronous course design, facilitation and assessment strategies used by award-winning online instructors. Dr. Katherine Saul (NCSU) addressed the importance of course alignment and LMS organization in creating a clear, effective, and welcoming online learning environment. Additionally, Dr. Ellen Pearson (UNCA) discussed tips for cultivating student engagement and developing a relationship of trust and open communication, in asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning environments. 

UNCW Office of Distance Education and eLearning Wins Silver Telly Award

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

The video production team in UNCW’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, has been awarded a Silver Telly in this year’s 42th annual Telly Awards.

The team’s video, titled “Ft. Fisher Field Trip,” placed in the general non-broadcast category. The project was created to support student learning in the environmental sciences labs. Due to the pandemic, the video was a component of a revised, traditionally face-to-face lab course to accommodate remote learning.

Read more.