A'Kena LongBenton

In her 30+ year teaching career (26 years at the collegiate level), A’Kena LongBenton has created over 70 instructional/ informational videos and made 70+ presentations at English, reading, and technology conferences. Further, two of her most humbling professional experiences are teaching English to Chinese professors in Beijing, China and having her co-edited online electric vehicle curriculum recognized by President Obama’s Executive Office of Science and Technology. Recently, from Harvard University, A’Kena has earned three post-graduate certificates in media and technology for education, instructional leadership, and universal design for learning programs. Moreover, from Yale Divinity School, A’Kena has earned a certificate in prayer, meditation, and mindfulness.  In late spring of 2026, A’Kena was a residential fellow at Yale Divinity School in its limited clergy The Leader’s Way certificate program.

Images of World's Shortest Short Stories (Summer Term 2026)

Participant Testimonials:

This course was taught with a deep understanding and genuine passion for the subject matter.

This course was interesting. I am a parttime photographer. I have quite a few images that I can use to create my short stories (6-word stories). I enjoyed the exercises. The instructor encouraged me to dig deeper to come up with better short stories. FANTASTIC!!!

AI and Blackout Poetry (Spring Term 2026)

Participant Testimonials:

Instructor had well prepared illustrations of all concepts

The poetry readings were vivid and clear. The supplemental materials were easy on the optic nerves.