[originaltext] Online education is booming. But it’s new, and no one is real

Online education is booming. But it’s new, and no one is really tracking online education yet, so there aren’t numbers on how many seniors are logging on. What we do know is that over one million students enrolled in college-level distance learning classes this year. And the number is expected to grow to over two million by 2002 and that increase will come from the Internet. Among the 4,000 American colleges and universities, 1,500 of them offer online learning, and that number is expected to go up to 87 percent by 2004. We also know that 45 to 65-year-olds go online more frequently—and stay there longer—than 18 to 24 year-olds generation.
    The majority of distance-teaching courses are business classes. The second largest is computer technology classes. Most classes are at the undergraduate level; graduate business programs account for 34 percent of distance learning courses.
WHERE TO FIND CLASSES?
    If you already have a degree and want to expand your knowledge—or need some credits to graduate, two sites can help you find classes for degree credits or certificates that can apply coward a diploma from another school or organization.
CAN YOU GET A COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE?
    Last year, it was estimated 50,000 adults sought accredited degrees online. Only 13 schools offer degree programs online. And, as we said before, by 2004, 87 percent of American colleges and universities are expected to offer on-line programs for credit.
    An online-only university that offers mostly masters and doctorate degrees in fields of business, education, human service, psychology, and technology. Also offers certificate programs for business professionals.