State Board Discusses Online Classes

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – The expansion of online learning at the state's public schools and colleges was the focus of discussions Tuesday that Florida Board of Education meeting in Miami.

Leaders from four colleges and three school districts made presentations on Tuesday. They say the number of students taking a course that has online learning components is rising dramatically as opportunities expand.

Over the last 15 years, the number of students taking an online class at one of Florida's 28 colleges has risen from about 16,600 to 268,000. In all, about 33 percent of students took an online course in the 2010-11 school year.

Many college-level degrees can now be completed entirely online.

Several groups that promote online instruction are also providing a state and national outlook on how to continue advancing digital learning.

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