In the second category are regional, national and global initiatives. These are the institutions which saw the potential of the electronic highway and were among the first to access it. Most recently there were 1,700 students enrolled. Jones Education Networks is also creating an online network. Its purpose is to offer associate degrees through distance learning technology.
Students interact with faculty over the Internet and through voice mail boxes.
In the development stage is a video and multimedia production and training facility. The first classes were offered in the fall, 1995. A business sponsored approach, called The IBM Global Campus Initiative, is a comprehensive foundation of products, services, and support that enables academic institutions to carry out traditional university functions using computer and network systems. IBM is working with a core group of universities, colleges, and community colleges to enable them to reach out to learners wherever they are located. Finally, the Western Governors' University is a new, public institution created by governors to address the twin concerns about projected increases in student numbers and rising educational cost.