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