November 16, 2001 UNT Inhouse publication: UNT e-learning program wins top national award

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UNT e-learning program wins top national award

UNT's system for distance learning won first place in the Best E-learning Program category at the 20th annual TeleCon Awards Oct. 23-25.

Chosen from more than 100 entries, UNT won over the California Community College Satellite Network, which won second place, and the University of Texas System Telecampus, which won third place. The award was presented at the TeleCon Conference and Expo, a trade show for videoconference and web-based communications, and was judged by the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

computer with first place ribbon Patrick Pluscht, associate director for the Center for Distributed Learning, says the center has focused on maintaining the same high quality in electronically delivered courses as in face-to-face classes.

"We are encouraged by the national recognition that we're on the right path, and we're confident it won't be the last time we're nationally recognized in this area," Pluscht says. "Certainly, this type of award will be helpful in supporting grant applications and collaboratives, which build on distance education as a delivery medium."

Today the university offers a dozen degree and certificate programs electronically, with more than 150 courses offered this fall. The university's videoconference network, which was featured in the nomination, consists of 18 sites and has connections to state and national networks.

The university adopted WebCT as the web-based course development platform and integrates course tools such as e-mail, online testing, bulletin boards and interactive forums that are moderated by instructors. Enrollment in UNT courses delivering at least 50 percent of their curriculum online went up from 2,300 in Fall 2000 to about 3,500 in Fall 2001.

Pluscht attributes the success of the program to the dedication of university's top-level leadership and to the allocation of resources.

"There is a commitment from the senior management of the university that recognizes the importance of distance education in today's higher education market," he says. "With this level of support, the university has put together the right infrastructure, personnel and policy to create and promote high-quality electronic learning environments that stand out from the crowd."