This is where the money is. Currently, many of those schools offering online classes don't allow students to earn accredited degrees online. Jones International University, one of several subsidiaries of closely held Jones International, in Englewood, Colo., claims to be the first accredited, completely online university. The school says it has enrolled 3,000 students online over the past five years. The school also offers executive certificates to students who take three or four courses in any of 30 specialized fields, including public relations and marketing.
Online education takes some getting used to.
Some people aren't well suited to taking classes over the Internet. Online students need strong reading and writing skills. Though advances in broadband technology and video software mean that online classes can use streaming video and audio to present class lectures, many programs simply print lectures on a Web site for students to download. And, of course, a computer is essential. Online students need ready access to a good one, and an Internet connection.