They can be used only for renovating existing facilities, rather than new construction. Texas already allows some distance learning options for high school students. Such programs, however, face operational and legal obstacles that may prevent them from significantly reducing overcrowding problems in the future. Confronted with the need to increase educational opportunities without increased budgets, many colleges and universities have developed distance learning programs, and some studies indicate that distance learning can be as effective as traditional education. The rapid growth of the Internet has spurred considerable interest in providing instructional services through the new technology.
Distance learning has a significant potential to reduce capital costs.
Today, ACC has about 3,500 students per semester enrolled in its program. Texas Tech operates a distance high school, middle school, and elementary school through a state-approved program established in 1993. Part-time students often are seeking to graduate more quickly, or to take courses not available in their home districts. The University of Texas at Austin has created a Distance High School and a Virtual University Charter School, both approved by SBOE in 1998. The charter school program, run by the university's Distance Education Center, is intended to provide courses to Texas students anywhere, at any time.