Ecampus enrollment explodes thanks to accessibility, new programs
Fall enrollment saw 4,282 students compared to 1,800 students five years ago
Eric Sepulveda
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: News
By Eric Sepulveda
The Daily Barometer
The availability of Internet access and the need and demand for alternative educational venues has prompted the rapid success and growth of OSU's Extended Campus online courses.
Societal changes have made people seek higher education, and a growth in professional programs offered through online classes has helped meet that need.
"We have students from all over Oregon, the United States, soldiers serving abroad - even students from other countries," said David King, associate provost of Ecampus.
OSU boasts over 400 distance and online courses in over 60 subjects. Students can earn certificates, graduate degrees and eight undergraduate degrees through Ecampus. This variety and selection of courses outnumbers what is currently available through PSU and UO.
"We are meeting the need for accessibility for adult learners. Many of them can't get a degree because of conflicts in schedule due to work or the commute makes it impractical," said Ecampus Executive Director Lisa Templeton. "Through Ecampus, we have an online educational solution for place-bound adults."
Though the online courses greatly benefit non-traditional students, students who go to class on campus are also taking advantage of the online courses.
Those who would have had schedule conflicts with on-site courses, work during the regular class time or prefer to take the course from the familiarity of their own computer are also able to sign up for Ecampus courses.
According to an OSU press release, OSU is seeing the largest student enrollment increase in online classes since 2005. In fall of 2009, 4,282 students were enrolled in Ecampus courses - an increase of 707 students over fall 2008.
New, one-of-a-kind courses are also attracting students. The fisheries and wildlife online degree program started winter term 2010 with more than 100 students, doubling the fall term 2009 enrollment.
"More students are opting for online courses. We had a growth from about 10 percent of the on-site students to near 25 percent this year taking at least one type of online course," King said.
The Daily Barometer
The availability of Internet access and the need and demand for alternative educational venues has prompted the rapid success and growth of OSU's Extended Campus online courses.
Societal changes have made people seek higher education, and a growth in professional programs offered through online classes has helped meet that need.
"We have students from all over Oregon, the United States, soldiers serving abroad - even students from other countries," said David King, associate provost of Ecampus.
OSU boasts over 400 distance and online courses in over 60 subjects. Students can earn certificates, graduate degrees and eight undergraduate degrees through Ecampus. This variety and selection of courses outnumbers what is currently available through PSU and UO.
"We are meeting the need for accessibility for adult learners. Many of them can't get a degree because of conflicts in schedule due to work or the commute makes it impractical," said Ecampus Executive Director Lisa Templeton. "Through Ecampus, we have an online educational solution for place-bound adults."
Though the online courses greatly benefit non-traditional students, students who go to class on campus are also taking advantage of the online courses.
Those who would have had schedule conflicts with on-site courses, work during the regular class time or prefer to take the course from the familiarity of their own computer are also able to sign up for Ecampus courses.
According to an OSU press release, OSU is seeing the largest student enrollment increase in online classes since 2005. In fall of 2009, 4,282 students were enrolled in Ecampus courses - an increase of 707 students over fall 2008.
New, one-of-a-kind courses are also attracting students. The fisheries and wildlife online degree program started winter term 2010 with more than 100 students, doubling the fall term 2009 enrollment.
"More students are opting for online courses. We had a growth from about 10 percent of the on-site students to near 25 percent this year taking at least one type of online course," King said.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
beverly nelson
posted 2/18/10 @ 9:16 PM PST
A lot's being said lately about how online courses change the dynamics of learning for students making it easier, but online courses change the conditions for instructors as well. (Continued…)
TUI University
posted 4/30/10 @ 3:43 PM PST
It seems that online courses would be a practical solution to provide college education to a growing number of students, especially with the situation of reduced budgets and faculty. (Continued…)
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