The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) awarded grants to fund three Virtual Learning Community (VLC) Support Centers funded over three fiscal years through 2010. The three centers extend the current VLC course development system to support the continual development, creation, storage, and sharing of digital learning resources through use of the North Carolina Learning Objects Repository (NCLOR) and to expand the scope of the VLC to include research, technology tools, and training for use throughout the system.
These grants were awarded to:
Surry Community College (SCC) for the Quality Assessment Center - This center conducts research to identify online design theories and technologies and determines professional development needs for the other centers. On the basis of these research findings, they create a set of standards for developing interactive distance learning courses and programs that match the needs of adult learners. Focus points include course design, instruction, and methods of communication.
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) for the Technology Center - The purpose of the Technology Center is to enhance and enrich the distance learning experience while engaging the distance learner. This is accomplished by exploring and collaborating on current and emerging technologies that impact distance learning.
Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) for the Professional Development Center - The training developed by this center is available through NC-NET and the NCLOR providing all colleges access to these resources. Training is provided on how to use the NCLOR; how to enhance online courses using learning objects; training related to course management systems; and training about software applications used in distance learning.