Distance education filling a need

BGSU’s expanding distance education program is breaking new records this summer, according to Continuing and Extended Education.

More than 130 sections of over 90 distinct courses were scheduled for the six-week and eight-week sessions offered during the summer. This doubles the number of sections that were available last summer.

These classes represent coursework from nearly every BGSU college and discipline, and include courses in such varied areas as music appreciation, African literature, weather and climate, sport management, diet and nutrition, medical technology, psychology, recreation and tourism, and telecommunications.

Student response has been enthusiastic, and enrollments have exceeded expectations. Nearly every online undergraduate course is filled to capacity or beyond; graduate courses follow a similar pattern.

As of June 28, online enrollment stood at 1,797, already eclipsing last summer’s total online enrollment of 999.

Summer course scheduling has been specifically targeted to serve those who are unable to commute to or stay in residence in Bowling Green during the summer due to job or internship assignments, but wish to pursue coursework that would enable them to graduate in a timely fashion.

The largest enrollment increases have occurred in College of Arts and Sciences departments. Popular culture, history, interpersonal communication and telecommunications have offered successful courses online for the first time, while English, geography and sociology have all generated popular and high-enrollment courses this summer.

The English department has led all other Arts and Sciences departments in the number of courses offered and enrollments generated, with 13 total sections and a total enrollment of 189.