North Carolina Distance Learning Alliance (NCDLA)

This conference was a wonderful experience for anyone interested in learning about a variety of issues related to Distance Learning. My interest stems from the fact that we are looking at increasing the distance learning component of the Physical Therapy curriculum as we prepare to transition to the DPT when approved.

Although the majority of academic institutions represented were part of the NC Community College system, I think that it is important for those of us in the NC University system to be aware of what types of services and facilities are available to facilitate student learning and student preparation to advance into the 4 year university system.

Of particular interest to me were the following presentations:

1. Simulation-Based Learning Using Interactive 3 Dimensional Objects. Fayetteville Technical Community College will house a new i3D facility which has tremendous implications for a variety of learning experiences with long range implications for enhancement of Workforce development throughout the state. Their target date for introduction to system schools is June 2008. WSSU needs to get involved because there are potential applications for a number of our undergraduate and graduate level program.
2. SACS/COC Friendly Distance Policies. This program was presented by the Distance Learning Coordinator at Bladen Community College. Given the activity on this campus related to our upcoming SACS review and on site visit, I found this program very informative. The presenter shared a great deal of information in the form of handouts and made herself available to assist anyone on system campuses as needed. Clearly, the Distance Learning efforts at WSSU must be coordinated and managed to be sure that we meet all necessary requirements, especially in terms of documents and records that we might need to have available.
3. The TEACH Act: Help or Hindrance? The presenter was Peggy E. Hoon, J.D., Special Assistant to the Provost for Copyright Administration at North Carolina State University. She discussed implications of the TEACH Act relative to copyright infringement and distance learning. This is certainly something that must be addressed as this university moves forward along that path. On the NC State website, there is a TEACH Act Toolkit available for anyone at any UNC system institution to use. Needless to say as WSSU moves forward with the development of distance learning, copyright laws will continue to be of great importance. This was a very informative and engaging presentation.

Dr. Yolanda Rainey