Research center releases first ever online education report concerning occupational programs

Research center releases first ever online education report concerning occupational programs

Officials with the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) have recently released the Online Occupational Education in Community Colleges report, which explores the current state of online education at community colleges.

Specifically, the report examines the social and economic factors that influence current online occupational programs and their connection to workforce development. It is the first national study that inventories specific occupational programs at the community college level. The researchers found that 47.5 percent of institutions offer such programs.

The authors of the report have stated that with the growing presence of online education's role in the nation's workforce development efforts, the study will provide colleges and universities with data that will influence future decisions.

"Online education is progressively becoming a norm as a component of student's higher education," said National Research Center director James Stone. "This study is the first that provides a resource impacting the use and outcome of online education as a tool for community colleges."

Online education can be a flexible option for those who are looking to earn their degree but find it difficult to attend conventional on-campus classes.

By Mark Danson