University aims to improve online programs

University aims to improve online programs

According to U.S. News and World Report, enrollment in online programs has increased by 832 percent to more than 2 million students over the past nine years. In order to meet the growing demand for web-based courses, numerous campus-based universities are aiming to expand and improve their online offerings.

For example, Arizona State University (ASU) recently partnered with Pearson eCollege and ESM to promote and support student enrollment and retention in its 30 online degree programs, according to Campus Technology.

Pearson will provide three applications, including LearningStudio, a management system for the delivery of online programs; Academic Enterprise Reporting to monitor and analyze trends in student performance; and Learning Outcome Manager for tracking learning objectives and goals.

ESM - an education-focused call center service provider - will perform marketing, admissions and student support functions. The company will help ASU Online identify interested students and provide recruitment and enrollment operations.

Under the agreement, ASU faculty will continue to design and teach every online course as well as establish and enforce all instructional and academic policies.

By Mark Danson