State Leaders Ready To Expand Online Higher Education In 2013

Gina Jordan writes, "The Florida Board of Governors will enter 2013 with a priority of expanding higher education online."

Photo: StateImpact Florida

Members will meet in mid-January to talk about their options, including the creation of a public university that is online only.

“There could be no doubt that Florida is already a major contributor to the world of online learning,” Chancellor Frank Brogan said. “Now we need to organize our efforts to devise a plan that provides a maximum return on investment in the future.”

Research by the Parthenon Group found that 40% of university and college students in Florida took at least one course online in 2010-11, and students at all degree levels are enrolling in online degree programs.

A March 2011 report outlining an overview of E-Learning for the Board of Governors found those students would be armed with these 21^st century skills:

• Improved technology literacy
• Effective Internet research
• Effective online communication
• Effective online collaboration
• Comfort with virtual learning and working environments
• Prepared to be life-long learners

The board meets January 16-17, 2013 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
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Source: StateImpact Florida