University experiences increased online enrollments

University experiences increased online enrollments

Online learning is becoming one of the fastest growing trends in higher education. As a result, many universities are increasing their web-based coursework. These programs often benefit those who work full-time jobs, have children or are unable to attend campus-based classes due to scheduling conflicts.

Recently, the University of Wisconsin's (UW) online extension school reported that their enrollment has grown by 66 percent this semester, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. School officials have confirmed that 97 percent of the online students are returning adult learners. Most are from Wisconsin, but some are from as far away as Germany and China.

The school has seen the highest enrollments in its sustainable management degree program. This is the first of numerous online bachelor's degrees that are currently being developed and improved as part of UW's plan to increase the number of college graduates in the state.

"Innovative online programs will not only advance students' careers, but will also help move the state toward a more competitive economic position," David Schejbal, dean of the UW-Extension’s Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning, told the news source.

More than 4.6 million students nationwide were enrolled in online courses during the 2008 academic year, according to a recent report by the Babson Survey Research Group and the Sloan Consortium.

By Mark Danson