Minnesota Online expands opportunities

Online course offerings in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system have expanded to meet rising student demand for academic programs 24/7, on campus or off campus, to fit into their busy lives.

About 80 programs now are offered entirely or predominately online, making academic programs more available to more people so they can earn certificates, diplomas and associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. Currently, about 25,000 students are taking courses online, and women make up 68 percent of the enrollment.

Minnesota Online,
www.minnesotaonline.org, helps students and faculty by listing online programs offered throughout the system, providing support services and enabling the colleges and universities to develop programs and courses more collaboratively.

"An online course means that it doesn't require students to have 'seat time' - rather, it gives students the opportunity to access information when they need it, and discussion can take place any time of the day or night," said Patricia Rogers, chair of the Minnesota Online Council and professor of education at Bemidji State University.

Gary Langer, associate vice chancellor for academic innovations and Minnesota Online, said, "The system has such a breadth of opportunities online, and these are quality programs that provide access to a great many people who otherwise might not be able to complete their education."

With the need to operate efficiently, effectively and innovatively for the system, Langer said Minnesota Online is designed to:

Meet market demand
Meet stakeholder expectations
Promote access
Respond to increased competition

"The Minnesota Online Council was formed in July 2002 under the auspices of the senior vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs," said Langer.

Minnesota Online now also includes MERLOT, a free and open resource designed primarily for faculty and students in higher education. MERLOT.org provides links to online learning materials along with annotations, such as peer reviews and assignments. Faculty and students can browse the collection or search for materials. In addition, members may add materials, comments and assignments to MERLOT.