Online college to present an offline option to busy students

Online college to present an offline option to busy students

Thomas Edison State College, an online university that offers bachelors and masters degree programs, is preparing to expand their service by offering a new course delivery system that utilizes USB drives that contain entire courses and their related applications, according to Computerworld.com.

The new online classes, known as "flashtrack" courses, are designed for students who not only need flexibility, but who also have limited connectivity to the internet.

The flash drives will contain lectures, assignments, media players and all other applications needed for students to participate in the class. Students will only need an internet connection to turn in their assignments and participate in class discussion, the news source further specifies.

"I think what we are doing is revolutionizing course delivery methods in higher education," said Henry van Zyl, the online college's vice provost, quoted the website. "We are going to be able to reach a level of flexibility and access that is unprecedented, and that goes beyond recreating the online experience in an offline setting."

Online education is a cost-effective and flexible option for those who would like to earn a bachelors or masters degree but find it difficult to attend classes on campus because of distance or family or work commitments.