Interest in online education growing among high school students

Interest in online education growing among high school students

Colleges around the nation are reporting an increased number of students signing up for their campus-based or online courses, the result of a bad economy and weak labor market.

In addition, some schools have noted a greater interest among high school students in getting a head start on college credits. For example, Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina, has seen an increase in high school students taking college-level classes from 129 in 2008 to 143 this year, and many of them are enrolling in online courses, according to Creston News Advertiser.

The school says that together with its matriculated students, a total of 681 individuals are taking courses on the internet this fall, up from 542 last year.

"This is preparing students to go on to the next level of their education," says Matt Thompson, SWCC dean of student services, quoted by the news provider.

He adds, "Students are going to be expected to use courses online, and this increases their ability to be technology savvy."

Online education is also an excellent opportunity for busy adults such as parents or working professionals who would like to enhance their credentials without interrupting their jobs or neglecting family responsibilities.