Enrollment in "distance learning" courses continues to climb at local colleges and universities. The St. Louis Business Journal reported on this growing trend in an education section last November.

Distance learning eliminates the need for the instructor and student to meet at the same time and place. The Internet, videotapes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, e-mail and live interactive video are among the tools used to replace traditional face-to-face classroom interaction. Students enjoy the flexibility of taking courses when their own schedules allow.

At Webster University, enrollments in online courses this fall increased by almost 19 percent over last year -- 2,548 in 2004 versus 2,146 in 2003. "We've been adding programs as we go along," said Jahna Kahrhoff, director of Webster's academic distance learning center. The university started its online courses in 1999 with three programs and about 100 students.

New this year to Webster's menu of online degree programs are a master's degree in procurement and acquisitions management and a master's certificate in global commerce. Other programs include a master's degree in business administration, an undergraduate certificate in Web site development, a master of arts degree in teaching, a master's degree in business and organizational security management, and a graduate certificate in decision support systems.

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Article source: The St. Louis Business JournalAutor: Susan Kerth