Extended Campus Reflects on National Distance Learning Week

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Nov. 18, 2024) — National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) 2024, observed Nov. 4-8, was a resounding success at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Extended Campus. The week’s events highlighted the transformative power of online education and underscored the university’s commitment to providing flexible, accessible and high-quality learning opportunities. From thought-provoking panels to interactive workshops, NDLW showcased the cutting-edge tools and strategies shaping the future of distance education.

The Extended Campus hosted a diverse array of activities, including an artificial intelligence (AI) informational session that engaged faculty and staff in exploring how AI can enhance learning. This session provided insights into AI’s role in fostering critical thinking and ensuring authorship transparency, making education more personalized and adaptive.

“This is a great time to be a teacher,” said Kim Smith, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. “AI offers immense potential to engage Gen Z learners in new and exciting ways, but we must adjust our best practices to fully leverage this technology.”

The week was not just about technology — it also highlighted the multifaceted online learning experience, blending professional development, community building and celebration. Activities included discussions on open educational resources (OER), daily webinars from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), and a BetterInvesting™ Finance Night offering practical financial literacy insights. The celebration also recognized outstanding faculty and staff and engaged the community with Aggie-themed giveaways and social media interactions.

N.C. A&T’s Extended Campus exemplifies how institutions are contributing to the evolving educational landscape. Nationally, online learning is expanding rapidly, with nearly 19 million students now enrolled. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, online enrollment grew by more than 6% last year, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible, accessible education.

For students like Isabel Sturgill, a senior in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, online learning has been transformative.

“I start each week by reviewing all my assignments and prioritizing them based on their complexity,” Sturgill said. “This strategy helps me manage my time effectively and stay on track.”

Through the Virtual Learner Commons and social media channels, the Extended Campus regularly shares online learning tips like Sturgill’s to support students in their academic journeys.

Online education at A&T is about more than convenience. It’s about fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to higher education. As Heather McCullough, Ph.D., director of Learning Technology and Open Education for the University of North Carolina System, noted, “Leveraging open educational resources not only reduces financial burdens but also aligns with the UNC System’s strategic goals of affordability and inclusivity.”

Discussions during NDLW highlighted the vital role of community support in online learning, particularly for first-generation students and working professionals who rely on flexible options to balance education with life’s responsibilities.

“Institutions like N.C. A&T play a critical role in serving students who may not have the luxury of attending full-time, face-to-face classes,” said Smith.

Since offering its first online program in 1999, the Extended Campus has built a robust portfolio of programs designed to break down barriers to higher education, fostering inclusivity and creating pathways for student success.

By the numbers:

• Nearly 19 million students are enrolled in online programs in the U.S.
• Online enrollment grew by more than 6% in the last year.
• Programs offered through N.C. A&T’s Extended Campus align with these trends, providing accessible and flexible learning pathways