Impact of Fuel Prices on Online/Blended Learning

This blog is to chronicle a linkage between the rising cost of transportation - notably cars and public mass transit - and the rising interest in online and blended learning. The title of each posting is hyperlinked to the source of the report.

Colleges blend Web, classroom - Lori Yount, Wichita Eagle

Butler Community College student Steven Lee had never taken an online class before, so he thought a "blended" learning class with half the work in a classroom and half on the computer would be a way to try online learning. The blended English class saves him almost an hour round-trip drive to campus every other week. "It's one extra day I can make money," Lee said. "And it saves gas."

High gas prices boost online classes - MARIE WADSWORTH Hobbs, Las Cruces News-Sun

New Mexico Junior College and University of the Southwest, as well as Eastern New Mexico University and the University of New Mexico, have experienced an increase in the number of online students this year compared to last year. One of the reasons, some say, is a dramatic increase in the price of gasoline. According to AAA, gas prices in New Mexico average $3.66 for unleaded and $4.16 for diesel compared to $2.93 for unleaded and $3.02 for diesel a year ago. NMJC has increased from 749 students enrolled in online classes last fall to 1,629 online students this fall—up 117 percent, said Michele Clingman, dean of enrollment management at NMJC. USW increased from 585 online students last fall to 845 this fall—up 7 percent, said Evelyn Rising, acting registrar at USW.

Chaminade University offers more online classes - Roger Mari, KHNL

Over the past few years there has been a steady increase in online enrollment. Chaminade University has been serving students online for the past nine years..... Kammie Wilson works on campus and is also an online student. She saves money on gas, and also has time to aim for a bachelors degree in psychology, while raising two kids. "About an hour a night after I put my kids to bed then I go online or read what I have to read or work on my paper," said Wilson.
More students enrolling, for more online classes translates to less people on the roads in Honolulu, and smarter people all over the world.

High cost of fuel means more students going online - GAYNELL BELLO, the weekly Vista

What do a mother of three who is passionate about forensic accounting, a father of two with a full-time job and concentration problems, and a young man who just graduated from high school have in common ? Enrollment in online college classes. Also called distance learning, enrollment continues to increase, mainly due to convenience and increasing gas prices. "I need the flexibility - it works around my schedule and my needs, rather than me trying to fit my schedule into theirs," said Bella Vista resident Angela Tingblad. "It's important to get what you want and not have to sacrifice everything to get it."

Virtual IU opening doors for executive education - Erika D. Smith, Indianapolis Star

With gas prices running high and time running low for executives in real life, Indiana University is turning to the virtual world of Second Life with its Kelley Executive Partners program. Starting Monday, the mostly midcareer members of the program can visit a virtual island, complete with buildings modeled after IU's Bloomington campus. All that's needed is a Web connection. The goal, IU officials say, is to make the Executive Partners, already heavy on online distance learning, more immersive.

Online classes taking off at YVCC and Central - James Joyce III, Yakima Herald-Republic

YVCC's latest enrollment report, released Sept. 2, shows the equivalent of 686 full-time students were enrolled in distance learning courses, which accounts for about 18 percent of the school's total fall enrollment. That's up by nearly 200 students, or 33 percent, over the same enrollment cycle last year. "That's a huge increase," said Tomas Ybarra, the school's vice president for instruction and student services. "It is a possible sign that we are seeing more students opting for the distance learning courses as a way to get around some of the costs." Among the factors possibly contributing to the upward trend is the economy. Because of layoffs and increased work responsibilities, more people need to learn additional skills. And online scheduling flexibility makes that balancing act more manageable. Additionally

Hard Economic Times Increasing Junior College Enrollment - Elyse Miller, KESQ

Classes are full at College of the Desert with enrollment higher than ever before at a nearly 8 percent jump from last year. "I can't register for any classes," says C.O.D. student David James. "There are too many students." An increasing amount of students are attending two-year colleges, avoiding the large price tag of a university education. Students typically pay 80 percent less at a junior college compared to a university. Now, with high food, home and gas prices, students are learning a real-life lesson in economics.... Students are looking for other ways to save by not driving to school everyday. Instead, they're taking classes online right from their home.

Students logging on to save up: As fuel prices rise, many opt for online learning - Rebekah Allen, Pensacola News Journal

Cantonment resident Marc Churchwell lives about 15 miles from Pensacola Junior College. And that 30-mile round trip could add up — especially given today's gas prices. When Churchwell, 51, retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004, he was determined to get a degree that would allow him to teach young children and children with special needs. And he did it without ever setting foot in a classroom. Churchwell has been part of a boom in demand for online classes, which provide scheduling flexibility and in some cases, easier communication with professors.

Tri-C offering more classes online - Janet Okoben, Plain Dealer

Once touted as a tool for faraway students, the popularity of online courses at community colleges and other community schools has gone up right along with the price of gas. One in three students at Cuyahoga Community College now takes some sort of online class, said Tina Royal, Tri-C's executive director of distance learning. The percentage of students learning online is expected to grow as technology improves and gas prices make students eager to cut down on their trips to campus.

Online enrollment rises at junior colleges - ADAM TESTA, The Southern

Community colleges throughout Southern Illinois have seen enrollment in online courses skyrocket this year, and officials attribute high gas prices and convenience as the causes.
Three of four area community colleges reported increases of more than 40 percent over last fall, and for Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, this year marks a special occasion as it's the 10th year the school has offered online courses.

Area colleges expand online presence in light of high gas prices - Daphne Drohobyczer, West End Word

St. Louis-area colleges are starting to offer more online courses to their students, and in turn have seen a significant rise in the number of students who enroll in such classes. For most colleges, online classes are simply part of the mix, but with the increasing price of gas, online learning could become an even more familiar part of college life. Bob Samples, a spokesman for University of Missouri-St. Louis, said the university is working to provide a combination of online and on-campus courses and noted that there is an inherent versatility that comes with online courses. At any time of day or night, faculty members can post items to a class website, and online discussion does not have to correspond to regular class times, he said.

Online classes on the rise - Bali Fergusson, Honolulu Star Bulletin

In the face of rising gas prices, more college students are eschewing costly commutes and turning to online classes.The national trend is reflected locally, where universities such as Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific are seeing sizable increases in online enrollment. "At the undergraduate level, we have a 9.6 percent increase in enrollment in online classes over the last fall," said Scott Stensrud, vice president for enrollment management at Hawaii Pacific University. "I think a lot of the interest is the economic situation and just the traffic. It's getting more expensive to commute."

MTSU’s summer enrollment drops 7.1% - COLBY SLEDGE, the Tennessean

ummer enrollment at Middle Tennessee State University dropped 7.1 percent from last summer, and school officials are blaming high gas prices for keeping students away. The school's preliminary count this summer is 8,210 students, down from 8,845 on campus and online last year. The decrease marks the third straight summer decline. "The cost of gasoline certainly has been a concern, especially for those who commute several miles," said Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for enrollment services, in a university news release. "I expect we will see more students opting for online and other distance-learning methods."

Transportation costs force universities and students to wise up - MANDY MOENCH, Colorado Springs Independent

Driving from the Springs to Pueblo each weekday can cost $1,000 per semester. Kimberly Barry spends $200 a month driving her Subaru from Colorado Springs to Colorado State University-Pueblo. She's planning to be a middle school science teacher, and chose CSU-Pueblo because of its "cutting-edge" education program. However, the top cut may mean a huge rut in Barry's credit rating.... Colorado's higher education outlets are thinking this way, to varying degrees, and they're shifting to accommodate suffering students via online courses. The University of Colorado at Boulder alone reported a 20 percent jump in online and distance-learning enrollment from last summer to this summer.

Hawaii colleges see boom online - Kim Fassler, Advertiser

Between shuttling her two kids to school, working full time and sitting in rush-hour traffic to and from Pearl City, Kammie Wilson barely had time to think about going back to school, let alone spend hours in a classroom each day." They have classes all over the island, but I think it's good when you can be at home in your home clothes," said the 26-year-old receptionist and single mom.... With Island gas prices hovering at around $4.50 a gallon, more students are opting for online classes or hybrid classes that meet several times in person but mostly online, said Mike Fassiotto, director of the graduate program at Chaminade. Students ask, " 'Are you going to do it online? Because I just can't afford to drive anymore,' " he said.

Gas prices boost enrollment in online courses - laura bruno, daily record

Morris County colleges are finding students increasingly opting to attend college online, both for the convenience of courses at home and to escape rising gas prices. Officials at the College of Saint Elizabeth watched the steady rise of gas prices last winter and decided to offer more online courses. They grew their online undergraduate and graduate course listings for the summer and fall by 35 percent and were rewarded with a 40 percent increase in online enrollment, so far.
"Gas prices are part of the consideration, especially for adult students," said Carol Strobeck, dean of the women's college at St. Elizabeth's. "Some travel fairly long distances to get to campus."

Tune In Tomorrow: New technology and higher gas prices are driving a boom in online education across the United States - Stefan Theil, NEWSWEEK

Long gone are the days when "online education" meant little more than digitized correspondence courses. Today it features videos and podcasts, blogs and live chats, Webcams and wikis, and online courses are becoming ever more popular. This fall, more than 4 million students in the United States will take at least one course online, says Frank Mayadas, an expert on education technology at the Sloan Foundation in New York.

College Students Feeling Effects Of Sluggish Economy - Dara Rees, WYMT Hazard, KY

Many people are seeking higher education to eventually get a better paying job. However, as gas prices and tuition costs rise, many students are finding it more difficult to even afford a college education.... Officials with the Hazard Community and Technical College say enrollment is down about 10 percent from this time last year and they say some people just can't afford the education they need to get ahead...."We just recently took a six percent cut in higher education and that has lead us to have increased tuition. Of course affordability is a real issue for us right now," said Doug Fraley with HCTC. Fraley says to help students through rough times in the economy, they are offering more distance learning classes. He also says a number of courses offer longer classes that meet fewer times each week.

Online Learning - Blake Wood, WCIA & MyCFN News

Busier lives and higher gas prices mean more people are taking classes online. Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield has added 500 students in the last year alone. Teachers say you can learn just as much online and they’re adding more classes to meet demand.

Chipola Online Classes - WJHG Panama City

High gas prices may be responsible for driving college students to the virtual classroom. Online class enrollment is up all across the country, but the trend is also affecting local schools.
Chipola College offers 40 different programs, ranging from four bachelor degrees to certification classes. This fall 28 of the classes for those programs will be offered online. In fact, Chipola administrator Kitty Myers says they're hoping to eventually offer one entire degree program over the Internet.

They carpool, take classes online or live close to campus - ADAM AASEN, The Times-Union

College student Naomi Briggs said she keeps trying to find ways to ease the pain of filling up. Briggs, 31, boyfriend David Denais, 45, and his son Dustin, 19, are all enrolled at Florida Community College at Jacksonville. They carpool together for three to four trips to campus per week. When one person rides to campus alone, it's on a motorcycle, even in the pouring rain.
Even so, Briggs said they spend $600 a month for gas, a financial strain for this family of students.

Online class enrollments jump - ANGELA CAPUTO, Southtown Star

Katie Hirdler has had it with filling up her tank. With each fill-up costing $70, Hirdler is always looking for ways to avoid visiting the gas pump. Hirdler traded in her truck for a Cadillac. She took a job as a nanny for a local family. And, despite being "not really that great with computers," the 22-year-old freshman at Moraine Valley Community College decided to give online classes a try this summer.

Ivy Tech helping students with rising gas costs - The Tribune-Star

Ivy Tech-Wabash Valley is trying to assist students with the rising costs of gasoline through flexible scheduling options, more online classes and instructional sites closer to home.... “We’re responding to what we’re hearing from students,” said Deanna King, vice chancellor of academic affairs. “With today’s gas prices, it’s more difficult for them to come to campus multiples times during the week. Many of our students come from outlying counties and have to drive in.”

Online enrollment up: Administrators cite high gas prices - Charlie Angelo, Longmont Times-Call

More Front Range Community College students are taking online classes this summer than are attending traditional classes at any one of its on-site campuses. That’s a first for the community college system, said FRCC chief administrative officer Mike Kupcho. Some 320 students are taking online classes, compared with 285 students signed up at FRCC’s Larimer campus in Fort Collins, which traditionally has had the highest enrollment, and 276 students at the Westminster campus. “It’s unusual for online to be higher than the two major campuses,” Kupcho said. “I would guess that people are trying to cut back on driving wherever possible.”

Online learning's big benefit: Low gas cost - STEVEN BUSHONG, THE PEORIA JOURNAL STAR

Matt Vissering drives a 1992 Ford Thunderbird 45 miles to class at Illinois Central College twice a week. Each week, he spends $100 from his three part-time jobs on gasoline for his aging car. So to cut down on expenses, he enrolled this summer in an online course, Music 150. "I'm going to be a networker; I love computers," the 20-year-old Toluca man said. "But I hate these classes." Students' reactions to and successes in online courses are as varied as their reasons for taking them, yet one thing has become clear in recent months: The rise in gas prices mirrors increases in online course enrollment.

Gas prices drive students to online classes - DIANE D'AMICO, Press of Atlantic City

Lauren Nicholl would love to be taking her anatomy and physiology course online. But it's a lab course, so she's been making the trip from home in Ocean City to Atlantic Cape Community College's Mays Landing campus four days a week this summer."I am carpooling for the first time," she said, acknowledging the impact $4-per-gallon gas is having on her wallet.
The popularity of online college courses has been increasing steadily over the past decade. But colleges have noticed a spike this summer, and say gas prices may be enticing more students to study from home.

Gas Prices Fueling a Rise in Online Course Enrollment? - Scott Travis, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

High gas prices are prompting some South Florida college students to spend less time in their cars and more time on their computers. The number of students taking online classes had already been soaring in recent years, as students looked for ways to earn degrees at their own convenience. But with gas prices topping $4 a gallon this summer, some students say online classes is the most affordable way for them to earn a degree. "I wouldn't even be pursuing a degree if I couldn't get it online," said Elizabeth DeLuca, 46, of Jupiter, who is pursuing a master's in nursing administration at Florida Atlantic University. "With the congestion in Palm Beach County and gas prices -- no way."

Florida universities strive to meet demands of online student surge - KIMBERLY MILLER, Palm Beach Post

Half of Florida's 294,000 university students in 2007 took at least one class online, an increase of more than 300 percent during the past decade, and a number that is likely to grow higher as gas prices soar. The numbers, which were released in a recent report exploring the role of distance learning at Florida's 11 universities, surprised some state officials and showed the increased demand for courses that differ from traditional classroom pedagogy and schedules.

Times-Union wants to talk to college students affected by high gas prices

Most college students are already on a tight budget with expenses such as textbooks, tuition, rent and groceries piling up. With gas prices reaching about $4 a gallon, many students are feeling an extra financial burden. Florida Times-Union reporter Adam Aasen is looking for college students who are finding ways to save money on gas prices.

• Enrolling in online courses to save a trip to campus?
• Taking the bus more often?
• Moving closer to campus?
• Staying on campus between classes?
• Skipping class if you don’t have gas money?

More students enrolling in online college classes - Margarita Raycheva, Maryland Gazette

This fall Shelby Hill will be logging more hours on her home computer than in a classroom on Frederick Community College’s campus. Hoping to save money on gas and eliminate a time-consuming commute to school, Hill has registered for online classes only beginning in August. ‘‘It’s flexible and I will be working full-time this year,” said Hill, who graduated from Brunswick High School in June.The 17-year-old considered taking traditional classes, but gave up when she realized that driving back and forth could cost her almost as much in gas as she would pay for her tuition.

Gas cost ignites surge in online college classes - Susan Snyder, Philadelphia Inquirer

More college students in the Philadelphia region had been opting to take some or all of their courses online even before gas topped $4 a gallon. Now the energy crunch is sending online enrollments up faster than pump prices. Drexel University, one of the largest providers of online courses in the region, reports that registrations in April, May and June for fall online courses were nearly double what they were in the previous three months.
(thanks to Catherine Kelley)

Gas prices drive up online class enrollment - Len Kiese, WALB, Albany Georgia

Gas prices are driving more students to go to class online. Darton College has seen a 17-percent increase in online class enrollment this summer over last summer. Right now, nearly 1,800 students are enrolled in online courses. 66 of those students are even in other states.

TCCC to increase online classes this fall - Smokey Mountain Sentinal

To better serve the community, Tri-County Community College is significantly increasing online courses this fall semester. The parking lots on the college campuses may look empty this summer, but in fact, 256 students are earning college credit without being on site. This fall, the college is increasing these offerings - with more than 70 classes planned that will be held at least partially online. "Rising gas prices are prompting our college officials and students to think differently about commuting. Looking at creating alternative schedules for students and increasing online and hybrid course offerings can help to reduce pains at the pump," announced TCCC President Donna Tipton-Rogers.

Colleges see increase in Internet enrollment as gas prices rise - Nikki Bussey, Memphis Commercial Appeal

With gasoline in the "arm-and-a-leg" price range, more students are going online for classes to avoid the expensive commute to college. Local colleges and universities are noticing that increase. Factors like time, convenience and lack of transportation play a part, but officials think gas prices may be the biggest reason. "When school ended, I was wondering if I should take a job in Germantown," said Chao Lin, a student at the University of Memphis. "I would have to make a big circle around town for one class. I thought it wasn't feasible for me. My car has a V-6 engine which costs about $60 to fill up."

High Gas Prices Fuel Online Class Boom - Kerry Kavanaugh, ABC Action News Tampa

After working their full-time jobs, Marcos and Silvia Gazeta’s day is only half over. As soon as they finish work it’s off to school. Well, sort of. "I save money, I save time," says Silvia. That’s because the Gazeta’s are among a growing number of students, across the country, who are parking their cars and taking online classes instead. The two are enrolled in Hillsborough Community College’s distance learning courses.... The cost of taking a class online is no different than going the old fashioned way, but since the beginning of the year, the couple estimates they’ve saved $1,000 just in gas expenses.

Students dodge commute, save money with online classes: Time, high gas costs likely reasons for enrollment boost - Mesa Tribune

When college students assess the costs for each semester, they could need to create new budget lines: saving time and saving gas money. Some indications are showing they're finding a solution to both with online courses.... According to national reports, a growing number of community colleges are hearing from students that the price of commuting to and from campus is driving some to enroll in online classes. While no officials point directly to the rise in gas prices, most believe it is an underlying factor.

Online Courses Get A Boost Partly Due To Gas Prices - CBS 7 Staff

With gas prices higher than ever, more and more students are turning to their computers for class. Online courses across at Odessa College, Midland College and UTPB have recently reported high enrollment.

Gas prices infringe on students' class options, means of travel - Charlie Grau, Florida International Univ

For Junior Jose Gonzalez, making the trip to University Park from his home in Pembroke Pines was just a waste of gas. “To go to class once a week for a business course just didn’t make sense,” the finance major said. Like many other students and faculty, Gonzalez is feeling the pain at the pump as gas prices jump past $4 per gallon. On average, Gonzalez said he spends about $45 a week driving his 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Instead of making the 54-mile round trip once a week, Gonzalez decided to try out an online class.

Enrollment for Online College Courses on the Rise - WFMZ 69

Higher gas prices are helping to increase college enrollment. But fewer students are driving to class. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack shows us how a modern educational medium is becoming more and more popular.

Polk Colleges Adapt Cyber-Learning - Robin Williams Adams, THE LEDGER

Nationwide, the combined forces of gas prices and students' fondness for online learning are pushing many colleges and universities to re-think how they provide higher education. Like PCC, they're studying what could work better for students and instructors. The University of South Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, USF's other campuses and Lakeland-based Southeastern University are among others seeing the impact of growing interest in online classes. John Bourne, director of the Sloan Consortium, a Massachusetts organization that studies online education, predicts gas prices will bring on "a blended classroom - half online, half in class."

Lake Land sees drop in summer enrollment - HERB MEEKER, Decature Herald and Review

Empty seats in some Lake Land College classrooms this summer are drawing the attention of college officials. The number of students enrolled totaled 4,027 this summer, based on the 10-day enrollment summary completed this semester. That is a decrease of 190 students, or 4.5 percent, from last summer, when the head count was 4,217. College President Scott Lensink said different factors are being considered, including increasing online options for students due to the high price of gasoline.... Gas prices are a high hurdle to overcome, Lensink said. "Most of the people who attend our college drive here. When you've got that $4 gas, that's throwing a wrench into everything," Lensink said.

High Gas Prices Driving Students To Online Classes - Tom Banse, OBP

Some commuter schools are reporting remarkable enrollment spikes for their online course offerings. At Mount Hood and Lower Columbia community colleges, the number of students taking classes over the Internet has doubled in one year. Tacoma and Centralia community colleges are up 70 percent this summer over last. Cable Green directs eLearning for the community and technical college system in Washington State. He says rising gas prices are one plausible explanation.

Gas prices have more students opting for online instruction - Genevieve Marshall, the Morning Call

Ana Jimenez of Bangor decided last semester to continue her nursing studies online. 'I save on gas and don't have to leave home. I have a full-time job,' she said. (Jane Therese, Allentown Morning Call / July 9, 2008) Ana Jimenez never considered taking online classes toward her degree in nursing. She was nervous about that lack of face time with professors. But she's over her fear, now that gasoline costs $4 a gallon. Jimenez of Bangor enrolled in two online courses last semester and another one this summer at Northampton Community College. Her only courses this fall will be online, cutting by half the $100 weekly gas bill she racks up commuting to her job in Easton and to classes at NCC's Bethlehem Township campus.

(thanks to Kelvin Bently)

More students go online for classes: High gas prices, convenience fuel Internet boom - JEANNIE KEVER, Houston Chronicle

The traditional image of college students strolling across a shady campus is shifting, as more students take classes online. College administrators say $4 gas is only part of it. "What initially draws them is convenience," said Marshall Schott, assistant vice president for instructional support and outreach at the University of Houston. "They don't have to deal with parking. They don't have to deal with commuting, with high gas prices." Enrollment in online classes at UH is up 40 percent this summer, compared to last summer. Enrollment in hybrid classes — which offer reduced class time in exchange for some Internet instruction — is up 50 percent, Schott said.

More College Students Taking Classes Online - 4029TV Bentonville

The sky-high prices have many people making dramatic changes to their lifestyles, and for some, it's changing the way they earn their degree. More Students Taking Classes Online
Many are looking for ways to take classes without having to drive, and for those people, taking courses online is becoming the option of choice. Across the country, enrollment in online classes is skyrocketing right along with gas prices. That's especially true at two-year community colleges, where most students commute to campus.

Maysville College Awarded Grant - Jessica Noll, kyPost

Congressman Geoff Davis announced that Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) will receive $399,967.00 grant through the Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program. The college plans to dedicate a significant portion of the grant to improving the quality and accessibility of its distance education programs. MCTC will receive this grant for up to five years. Congressman Davis says, "It is wonderful to see Maysville Community and Technical College receive much-needed funding and support from the Department of Education. The severe impact that gas prices are having in Kentucky makes the focus on distance learning and education programs all the more important and timely."

More online courses cut students' commuter costs - MARK HARPER, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Daytona State College is doubling the number of online courses they will offer this fall. Officials there are also working on other ways to help students limit their trips to campus.... Ray Schroeder, who directs technology-enhanced learning at the University of Illinois-Springfield and edits the blog Educational Technology, said this: "All over the country, prospective students are contacting colleges and universities and asking for online and noting the cost of gasoline as a reason." While working with the University of Southern Maine as a visiting scholar, he helped calculate the cost of commuting. By adding in other real-life expenses, such as child care and parking, Schroeder helped determine that the drive to school cost more than the actual tuition.

Students log on instead of commuting - RACHEL KIPP, Delaware News Journal

Kim Baker initially decided to enroll in an online bachelor's degree program because of the flexibility. She could schedule her criminal justice courses around her life, rather than the other way around. When gas prices hit $4 a gallon earlier this year, Baker and other students found another reason to take college classes via computer. Although enrollment in online classes and degree programs has been on the rise for years, some college administrators in Delaware and nationally are seeing startling growth fueled by consumers' desire to cut the cost of commuting to campus.

Longer class days aren't for everyone - COLBY SLEDGE, The Tennessean

Flexible scheduling has suddenly become the way for colleges to show they care about students' wallets as gas prices continue to rise. But students haven't been so quick to embrace the changes. Schools are shifting classes online, creating four-day workweeks and condensing schedules to keep commuting students from coming as often to campus. But some classes won't qualify, and some students don't like the idea of cramming more class time into fewer days.

Soaring gas prices, education costs boost enrollment in online courses - Paul Brooks, Times Herald-Record

Bobby Perillo liked what he saw on the screen of the computer in front of him Friday at the Empire State College office on Route 299. "I want something flexible and economical," Perillo said. Economical these days means keeping one eye on the gas gauge and the other on the price at the pump. That is especially true for students as they struggle to handle the soaring costs of both their education and their commute to classes. The prices are boosting enrollment in online and distance courses, according to national reports.

Online Enrollment Rises With Gas Prices - President: Enrollment Up 23 Percent - WFSB, Connecticut

Student, mother and day care director Arline Linger said signing up for online classes through Charter Oak State College is the smartest choice she’s ever made. She said she’s able to take classes whenever she wants, even after work. “It's a lot more economical to do my online courses than to drive a great distance from Colchester to New Britain,” she said.

Online courses thrive at JCC - KELLY L. REYNOLDS, Watertown Daily Times

Jefferson Community College began offering 15-week, full-semester online classes in 2001. Since then, enrollment for the classes has skyrocketed and the college is offering condensed eight-week courses and, most recently, four-week courses. "Typically each semester, about 25 percent of the student body at Jefferson takes at least one course online," said Edward J. Knapp, dean for curriculum and instruction at the college.... Mr. Knapp also said it helps with the rising gasoline prices. "It solves the issue of commuting from a distance, especially with gas prices and transportation costs the way they are," he said. "In the winter, about 60 percent of the students who took the courses were outside of the area."

Online Classes Becoming More Popular - WSIL-TV

Students are signing up in record numbers to take cyber courses. College administrators say online learning is cost effective and convenient. More and more people are becoming computer savvy, and they have a growing number of options for online learning. But those aren't the only reasons college students opt to take classes over the internet.... SIC administrator Dana Keating says gas prices are another force driving up online enrollment. The college accepts students from 5 counties and for some, the commute can be costly. "We've spoken with our counselors and our advisers and they say students are coming in and switching from a classroom class to an online class to save them that trip," says Keating.

Students take online classes to save gas - UPI

Thousands of U.S. college students are taking online courses to avoid driving to and from campus as fuel prices spike across the country. "Gas prices have pushed people over the edge," said Georglyn Davidson, director of online learning at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Penn.

High Cost of Driving Ignites Online Classes Boom - SAM DILLON, New York Times

First, Ryan Gibbons bought a Hyundai so he would not have to drive his gas-guzzling Chevy Blazer to college classes here. When fuel prices kept rising, he cut expenses again, eliminating two campus visits a week by enrolling in an online version of one of his courses.Ryan Gibbons studies online to avoid gasoline costs. Like Mr. Gibbons, thousands of students nationwide, including many who were previously reluctant to study online, have suddenly decided to take one or more college classes over the Internet.

High gas prices fuel boom in online classes - NANCY KELSEY, Forbes

Laurel Ranticelli considered driving 40 miles round-trip to take education classes at the University of Massachusetts campus in Amherst. Then she realized she could take the same courses from her computer at home and save on fuel costs. "It's gotten out of hand, the gas prices," said Ranticelli, 50, who lives in Springfield. "It's $70 a week. That's pretty close to my groceries."

Gas Prices Drive Students to Online Courses - Jefferey R. Young, Chronicle of Higher Education

For Christy LaBadie, a sophomore at Northampton Community College, the 30-minute drive from her home to the Bethlehem, Pa., campus has become a financial hardship now that gasoline prices have soared to more than $4 a gallon. So this semester she decided to take an online course to save herself the trip­—and the money.... "All across the country, community colleges and universities are getting requests for online programs specifically with students mentioning the price of gas," says Ray Schroeder, director of the office of technology-enhanced learning at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Gas prices affect summer courses - SHARLONDA L. WATERHOUSE, Post-Tribune

The tough economy and high price of gas appear to be making an impact on college summer courses, with some students opting to take coursework online rather than on campus, which would require gas-guzzling travel.Some students are foregoing summer classes at area regional campuses altogether, sending summer enrollment downward.

WCU's online enrollment goes up with gas prices

Gas prices are soaring, and so is enrollment in academic programs offered online by Western Carolina University. Big increases in the numbers of students signing up to take courses that WCU offers over the Internet can be at least partially attributed to the high gas prices, said Pat Brown, dean of the university’s Division of Educational Outreach. Enrollment in WCU’s online programs is up 25 percent this summer, compared to the summer of 2007, and registration for courses that will be offered online in the coming fall is 30 percent higher than it was at the same time last year.

More students taking online classes - Charissa Cowart, My Fox Gulf Coast

Colleges across the country are seeing an increase in the number of students taking advantage of e-learning. Bucks County Community College is one of those. The students are online. The number of Bucks’ students taking summer classes online is up 42 percent from last summer. The school’s dean of affairs said “It’s been significant increase each year. This summer we’re even seeing an incredible increase.”

Students fill up online classes, not tanks - COLBY SLEDGE, the Tennessean

Want to know the great thing about the Internet?

It doesn't run on gas. That's what commuting students increasingly are considering as online registration at universities and community colleges rises while gas prices soar. The Tennessee Board of Regents has seen online registration jump 29 percent this summer compared with last summer, and is looking at a 20 percent increase for fall. Online registration had been averaging a 7-10 percent increaseyear over year, said Robbie Melton, associate vice chancellor for the Regents. Melton is in charge of online and distance learning for the system, which includes six universities and the state's 13 community colleges.

Online Degree Programs and Distance Learning Increasing with the Price of Gas

Degree.com, a website focusing on online degree programs and distance learning education, had 38 percent more visitors during April-May 2008 compared to February-March 2008, after adjusting for seasonal differences. In an informal survey of site visitors, the #1 reason for being interested in an online degree was “higher gas prices,” cited by 60 percent of those responding in May 2008. Other reasons given were convenience, parking, scheduling, babysitting and the cost of classes.

Rising Cost of Gasoline Pinches Students at Rural Community Colleges - LIBBY SANDER, Chronicle of Higher Education

The 230 miles of Texas highway linking the plains of Lamesa to the hill country of Junction is familiar terrain to local college students accustomed to traveling long distances to class. But with gasoline prices averaging $4 per gallon, students in the community-college district that stretches between those two west Texas towns, like their peers in other rural communities, are feeling the sting. Aware of the increasing burden of fuel costs on their students, the administrators of rural community colleges are looking for ways to help students stay on track with their studies even as their monthly transportation bills rise, in some cases approaching the several-hundred-dollar range.

More students study online as gas prices soar - Dan Berrett, Pocono Record

These days, Christy LaBadie can stay home, go to class and save money on gas — all at the same time. A sophomore majoring in medical administration at Northampton Community College, LaBadie is taking her first online distance learning class this summer. "The reason I did it is because of the current gas prices," LaBadie, 30, said recently. "For me to drive to Bethlehem or even Tannersville would cost me so much more," she said, referring to the Northampton and Monroe county campuses of the college.

Online enrollment up at universities - Stephanie Stilwell, Carolina News 14

Fifteen of the 16 UNC campuses offer online classes. Officials say system-wide students take more than 330,000 credit hours through online learning. As the gas prices continue to soar, many students are getting creative when it comes to their education. Officials at several Greensboro universities say their enrollment in online courses is up.

Web classes get gas prices' silver lining - Allison Sherry, The Denver Post

As the price of gasoline swells by the day, online education appears to be one industry that has grown sweeter for those hoping to get a degree. The wait list at the University of Colorado Denver's online program is up 90 percent from last fall. The number of students enrolled in CSU's distance-learning courses is up by 300 students from last year. At Regis University, another 300 students are enrolled in online programs compared to last year. And in the spring, the University of Phoenix saw an 8 percent increase in its online enrollment.

Gas Prices Boost Online College Classes - Daisy O'Donnell, WPSD-TV

Registration for online classes is soaring as fast as prices at the pump. With gas prices hitting closer to four dollars, college students are trading time with teachers for online courses. At Western Kentucky Community and Technical College enrollment for distance education grows more than ten percent this year.

High gas prices driving more to online degrees - Melica Johnson, KATU

Rising gas prices are leading to a sudden demand in online college degree programs – since it's cheaper to power your home computer than your car. That's the story for Nicola Boring-Mackie, a married mother of three who said her only option to get a college degree is online. With costs for food and daycare going up along with the cash needed to fill her minivan's gas tank, driving to classes at Chemeketa Community College is impossible, she said.

Students are driven to log on to classes: More college students are going to class online - Ventura County Star

Cathryn Mann wanted to take a political science class this summer, but she didn't want to commute to Moorpark College several times a week. So, like thousands of students nationwide, she's taking the class online. "It's just not worth driving out there so much," said Mann, 19, who is living in Newbury Park this summer. "It's too far." Mann, a junior at CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo, has taken online classes before, primarily because she thinks they're more efficient. But this time, the price of gas is a major factor in her choice -- even though she drives a Honda Civic.

Gas prices affect online class enrollment - Katie Morse, TV 10 Syracuse

Daniel Kiniry takes classes at Onondaga Community College almost every day, but he might not always be on-campus. OCC offers numerous online courses, which many students are starting to take advantage of because of high gas prices. "For me to drive here from home is about five dollars each way. Plus, it takes about a half an hour, so for me to take online classes, that's going to save me at least 10 dollars a day," said Kiniry.

High gas prices a factor in TCC online-enrollment jump - Angeline J. Taylor, Tallahassee Democrat

High gas prices are a factor in an increase in the number of people taking classes online at Tallahassee Community College. TCC administrators report a 16.8-percent increase in online-class enrollment. This summer, 2,611 people enrolled in Web classes at the college, said Alice Maxwell, spokeswoman for TCC. Last year, 2,235 student enrolled. Barbara Sloan, vice president of academic affairs, said it’s unclear exactly why there’s been an increase. But she suspects gas-pump prices are one reason.“Students are concerned about gas prices,” she said.
Friday, 12 more online offerings were added, including math, English, history and humanities classes.

Community College Tells Students To Stay Home, Save Gas - TIMOTHY CAMA, BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

Area colleges are helping its students combat high gas prices by reducing the frequency of classes so students will commute less often.... “ETSU also offers numerous classes online,” she added... Students at Mountain Empire frequently “self-select,” said Sharon Fisher, a college spokeswoman, meaning they deliberately schedule classes so they may only have to attend two or three days a week. Mountain Empire also offers online and “hybrid” classes, or classes taught online in which students come to the campus a few times throughout the semester.

online classes save students gas money - Lamar University

Lamar University students who live off campus are increasingly taking advantage of a way to cut down on high fuel bills by reducing their commute distances. Enrollment in online and off-campus classes has been booming as gasoline prices continue to climb. Enrollment in Lamar University's online courses for the fall already is at 1,804, a 56 percent increase from an enrollment of 1,150 this time last year. Off-campus enrollment also is up ­187 compared to 134 this time last year.

College students finding ways to cut more corners - Shannon Johnson, WJRT Flint, Michigan

Prices at the pump are causing college students to take a different approach to learning. Registration for online classes is soaring as fast as prices at the pump.... Enrollment for online courses is soaring at U of M - Flint. "From 2005 to 2007 they increased 42 percent," said Director of Distance Learning Deborah White. You'd think the university would advertise the online course in light of gas prices, but White says the university is "not able to advertise because we can't meet the demand right now."

Gas prices, convenience driving up online course popularity - Jim Cook, Dothan Eagle

Convenience and rising gas prices are contributing to an increase in the number of students taking online courses through Troy University. According to Deb Gearhart, director of Troy University’s eCampus program, online enrollments have grown from 10,550 last summer to 13,985 this summer, a 43 percent jump. Gearhart said online enrollments had been growing for the past few years, but the recent year-to-year jump was substantial.

LMC “Fuel Up on Class, Not Gas” Web Page Directs Students to Travel-saving College Services

As John Selmon looks out over the student parking lot at Lake Michigan College, he can’t help but to think of how students are struggling with record-level gas prices that continue to climb.
“It’s hitting everyone hard, but it’s especially bad for students,” Selmon contemplated. But, with gas over $4 per gallon, it has just made it a little more difficult.” LMC has launched a special “Fuel up on class, not gas,” section on its web site to inform students about options that can help them take classes while saving on gas. The section is available from the home page or can be accessed by going to www.lakemichigancollege.edu/gas. Among the key things listed on the site are online courses and telecourses. The courses, which allow students to experience coursework on the internet or through lectures on DVD, were originally introduced to provide students with more scheduling flexibility. Now these classes can significantly reduce the number of trips students need to make to campus.

Save Gas Money by Taking Online Classes - Kelly Dudzik, Fox 16 Arkansas

As gas prices climb, so does enrollment in online courses at UALR and Pulaski Tech. While the schools can't pinpoint how many of those students are signing up to cut fuel costs, they know it's a big reason for the jump.

The Money Squeeze: Colleges look at curbing student commute - AMY ROLPH, Seattle P-I

Katoya Palmer missed a day of class just about every week last spring but not because she was too busy or too lazy. She missed class because the price of gas -- $73 last time she stopped to fill up her Ford Explorer -- is making it awfully hard for the Kent resident to justify her hourlong commute to Bellevue Community College.

Gas prices affecting college commuters- Brian Bethel, Abilene Reporter-News

The high cost of gas is prompting area junior colleges to examine summer and fall programs with commuting students in mind. With prices Thursday near $4 a gallon, students who drive to junior colleges in places such as Ranger, Cisco, Big Spring and Abilene will pay a higher cost to commute to class.... At both its Cisco and Abilene campuses, CJC plans to offer more online courses and will offer a new block schedule, a "commuter special" for students who can take a full load by coming only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Evans said.

Online classes: convenient, money saving - Melissa Payne, News Link Indiana

Taking an online class is one way students are getting ahead and even saving gas money. Kenneth Hall, a history professor at Ball State University, said online enrollment is on the rise and that convenience has students signing up.... The popularity of online classes is more than students not leaving their houses to get their grades, but also the rising gas prices – students do not have to commute to campus or other off-campus sites and save more money on fuel.