American universities continue to create new online degree programs

American universities continue to create new online degree programs

In order to meet the demands of a growing nontraditional student population, more American colleges and universities are offering online education programs. Web-based degree programs not only cut costs, they also encourage adult learners to earn a degree at their own pace.

For example, students who attend the University of Maryland are required to complete at least 12 credit hours through online classes, the Houston Chronicle reports. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is planning on initiating a similar policy later this month.

Using the funds they can save from expenses such as parking spaces and campus police, universities can supply technology support services and video cameras, as well as other communication technology.

"It's all the elements a student would have in class, except they can revisit them as often as they want," Brian McFarlin, associate professor of exercise physiology, nutrition and immunology at the University of Houston, told the news source.

Online learning no longer involves long pre-recorded lectures. Today, web-based education integrates video, discussion forums, online quizzes, podcasts and other technologies to create a unique and enriched experience.

Nearly one in four U.S. students take at least some college courses online, which is up from one in 10 as reported eight years ago, according to Reuters.

By Mark Danson