OFFICE OF DIGITAL AND ONLINE LEARNING

Mission

The mission of the Office of Digital and Online Learning is to develop and facilitate a digital learning infrastructure that provides exceptional digital learning experiences, ultimately producing distinguished and compassionate leaders who impact the world.

Vision

The vision of the Office of Digital and Online Learning is to expand Howard University’s reach by providing exemplary digital learning experiences that align with and support Howard University's Strategic Plan.

Please address inquiries for the Office of Digital and Online Learning to dol@howard.edu

DOL Podcasts

DOL Team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Howard on Coursera

NDLW Archives


DOL IN ACTION

The formation of Office of Digital & Online Learning was made possible in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in support of a Digital Learning Infrastructure and Knowledge Sharing Support grant. The office’s inaugural and current lead is Dr. Morris Thomas, who serves as Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning.

This office is charged with the following:

  • Centralize the university’s digital and online learning strategy.
  • Coordinate matters pertaining to online course and degree program development.
  • Provide consultation for the selection and usage of university digital learning tools.
  • Supports the sustainability of the digital learning infrastructure that aligns with Howard University’s strategic plan.

DOL NEWS HUB

Image of DOL flyer

The US Department of State selects Howard University's Dr. Morris Thomas to host an International Delegation for Digital Learning Excellence Engagement

Access the complete article
image of CETLA flyer

Dr. Morris Thomas Receives Quality Matters Directors’ Award for Exceptional Service

Howard University and Quality Matters (QM) are proud to announce that Morris Thomas, Ph.D., has been awarded the Directors’ Award for Exceptional Service.

Access the article
Image of Quality Matters logo

The WHOLE Experience: Reflecting on The State of Higher Education Leadership

Access the article
Image of Dr. Morris Thomas

Howard University’s New Online Degree Program Provides New Opportunities for Continuing Education

Access the article
Image of student working on a laptop

Howard University School of Education Announces Inaugural Degree Completion Program in Human Development

The Howard University School of Education is excited to welcome prospective applicants to its inaugural degree completion program for a Bachelor of Science in Human Development. 

Access the article
image of student working at a laptop

Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Redefines Healthcare Education with Two New Online Degree Programs

The Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) will redefine healthcare education with the launch of two innovative online degree programs scheduled to begin in 2024. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in today's dynamic and intricate healthcare landscape while providing a flexible learning experience.

Access the article
Image of DOL flyer

A Missing Piece [Peace]: Teaching & Learning in the Digital Age

I was at a conference, and the attendees were workshopping solutions for increasing digital learning capacity at their respective institutions. The conference attendees were a mix of students, faculty, donors, education administrators, and edtech professionals. Groups were assigned an activity to discuss possible solutions for increasing capacity for educational technology and digital learning.

Access the article
Image of Diverse logo

Impact of Digital Learning Tools in Education Sector

Dr. Morris Thomas is responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Office of Digital and Online Learning and the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA) at Howard University.

Access the article
image of Education Technology Insights logo

Morris Thomas Appointed Chair of the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council

Howard University is delighted to announce the appointment of Morris Thomas, PhD, as the new chair of the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council (QMAAC).

Access the article

AI's Impact on Teaching

Artificial intelligence is only beginning to emerge in higher ed. Its unique ability to process large data sets, speed up responses, make predictions, and learn has the power to transform higher ed.

Access the website

Strategies for Change Management: How Howard University Led a Successful LMS Migration

In this webinar, you’ll learn the approach Howard University is taking to successfully migrate to a new LMS platform.

Access the website

How Digital Learning Saved the Classroom

Virtual tools saved higher education during the pandemic and will take physical spaces on campus to new dimensions.

Access the article
Image of Morris Thomas sitting at a computer

Formation of The Office of Digital and Online Learning

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award Supports Formation of Office of Digital and Online Learning

Access the article
image of the Gates Foundation logo

DOL MEDIA STUDIO

Stay updated on what's happening at HU in online education and programs, digital learning, and beyond.

National Distance Learning Week, November 6 – 10, 2023

Howard University celebrates National Distance Learning Week

As the nation rallies around Distance Learning Week Awareness, Howard University is thrilled to mark National Distance Learning Week, an occasion to shine a light on transformative opportunities and the immense value of distance and online education. Throughout this week, running from November 6 to 10, we invite you to embark on an enlightening journey into the realm of digital education. Your guide for the week is Dr. Morris Thomas, Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.

In an era of digital technology revolutionizing education, there's no better way to witness its impact than by experiencing it firsthand. Each day of this special week, we will unveil a new episode, offering recorded conversations that provide diverse perspectives on how technology and distance learning are reshaping education, empowering communities, and fostering equity in academic access.

As we celebrate National Distance Learning Week, we invite you to join us! Discover how digital and online learning continues to reshape education and foster opportunities for all, regardless of background or location. These enlightening discussions are just a glimpse of what's in store, and we're excited to embark on this journey of exploration and innovation with you.

Day 1: November 6

Image of Dr. Joshua Valeta
Dr. Joshua Valeta
Director of Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL),
Ministry of Education, Malawi

Innovating Advancements in Open Distance and eLearning 

On day one of the National Distance Learning Week, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Joshua Valeta, from the Ministry of Education for the Nation of Malawi and Founding Director of Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) and Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Valeta will offer insights into the influence of artificial intelligence and distance education and how they are redefining the education landscape in Malawi. 

Click here to access. 

Day 2: November 7

Image of Olive Vassell
Olive Vassell
Associate Professor of Digital Media,
University of the District of Columbia

The Impact of Digital and Online Learning on Faculty Trajectory 

Joining us on day two of celebrating National Distance Learning is Olive Vassell, Associate Professor of Digital Media at the University of the District of Columbia and a certified Quality Matters peer reviewer. Professor Vassell will shed light on the crucial role digital and online learning has played in expanding her trajectory as an academic. 

Click here to access. 

Day 3: November 8

Image of Racheal Brooks
Dr. Racheal Brooks
Director of Quality Assurance Implementation Solutions,
Quality Matters

On the third day of our National Distance Learning Week observance, we welcome Dr. Racheal Brooks, the Director of Quality Assurance Implementation Solutions at Quality Matters. Dr. Brooks enlightens us on the various stages and methodologies essential for ensuring quality in online learning.

Learn more about Howard University’s Quality Forward Initiative.

Click here to access.

Day 4: November 9

College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Redefine Healthcare Education with New Online Degree Programs 

The intricate healthcare landscape will be explored by Dr. Devora Winkfield, Dr. Caron Strong, and Dr. Kyrone Davis. Dr. Winkfield, Chair, Dr. Strong, Graduate Nursing Co-chairperson, and Dr. Davis, Chair of Health Management and Assistant Professor, will discuss the launch of two innovative online degree programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Health Administration), providing insight into these exciting career opportunities.  Learn more about the MHA and DNP programs  

Click here to access. 

 

Image of Kyrone Davis
Dr. Kyrone Davis
Assistant Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Health Management,
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences

 

Image of Caron Strong
Dr. Caron Strong
Assistant Professor and Graduate Nursing Co-Chairperson,
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences

 

Image of Dr. Winkfield
Dr. D. Renee Winkfield
Associate Professor and Graduate Nursing Chair,
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences

 

Day 5: November 10

Image of Amy Qurkume
Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume
Director of Master of Science in Applied Data Science and Analytics and
Associate Professor of African American Studies

Empowering Communities Through Data Science 

Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, a distinguished 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. Learn more about Dr. Quarkume 

Click here to access. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image of Mariko Carson
Dr. Mariko Carson
Manager of Specialty Graduate Programs and Partnerships,
Howard University School of Business

Dr. Mariko Carson, the Manager of Specialty Graduate Programs and Partnerships at Howard University School of Business, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the success of the Master of Accountancy and Master of Science in Finance programs within the School of Business. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dr. Carson illuminates the profound impact of Howard University in providing these programs through the online platform. She delves into the promising career opportunities they present, their earnings potential, and the imperative need for greater representation of Black professionals within the financial sector.

Click here to access.