Taking a math exam in pajamas may seem odd to some, but a national trend of increased online college classes is making non-traditional learning readily available.
A recent study by Pew Research Center said more than 75 percent of American colleges and universities offer online classes, and 23 percent of college graduates polled said they have taken an online course.
The University currently offers 22 undergraduate online courses with multiple sections of each class, according to the University Office of Budget and Planning. More than 1,600 undergrads are currently enrolled in an online class, equating an 83.6 percent increase from last fall’s online enrollment.
But some students doubt online courses can provide the same education as those held in classrooms, the study said.
“It’s about providing a comparable experience,” said Doug Weimer, executive director of LSU Continuing Education.
Weimer said the goal is not to replace the classroom experience but to provide options to cater to non-traditional students — older adults enrolled in courses or students who learn differently.
Weimer said the University is following the national trend of increased online education because schools are becoming more accommodating of non-traditional students.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has also begun initiatives to increase the number and quality of online classes.
According to the ULL Office of Distance Learning website, the university aims to create an online education program in a cost-efficient way to provide adequate schooling for those who cannot acclimate to classroom learning.
ULL began offering “electronic courses” during the summer 2008 semester, and the number of those courses has increased since. As of spring 2011, 77 Web-based courses were offered.
Online classes attract more diverse groups of students, said Kathy Carroll, director of research, planning and communication with LSU Continuing Education.
Carroll and Weimer said many individual colleges like the College of Business are beginning to invest in online learning.
“There are new technologies and more possibilities,” Carroll said. “Classes are being formed with respect to students and helping