Record Online Offerings
at UC San Diego Extension

Oct. 18, 2010

By Henry DeVries

Online continuing education offerings increased 83 percent last year at the University of California San Diego, according to Elizabeth Meyer, director of online learning for UC San Diego Extension.

During the 2009-2010 academic year fully online classes UC San Diego Extension at served a record 11,738 enrollees in 791 courses, up from 432 classes the previous year.

Meyer credits the strong demand for fully online courses to changing attitudes. Both employers and adult workers have come to appreciate the unique value of a multi-media learning experience.

“Fortunately, the increasing popularity of Web 2.0 tools – including blogs, social media, video sharing, and wikis – is positively influencing how adults perceive online education,” says Meyer. “The lingering attitude that online education lacks the rigor of traditional face-to-face classroom instruction is changing.” 

Another myth that has been debunked is that one must be technically savvy to participate in an online class.

“No doubt taking an online course is a different experience from taking a traditional classroom-based course,” says Meyer.  “Students need to feel comfortable using a computer, but using e-mail and being familiar with programs like Microsoft Word is sufficient skill level. Of course, time management skills are important to get assignments done; but on a positive note, no one cares if you work in your pajamas either.”

Overall enrollment at UC San Diego Extension increased 2 percent last year. During the 2009-2010 academic year UC San Diego Extension served a record 55,598 enrollees, which translates to 26,006 students in 4,989 courses. Additionally another 47,946 individuals were trained throughout the western United States by UC San Diego Extension certified instructors in programs not directly offered by the University.

About UC San Diego

Fifty years ago, the founders of the University of California, San Diego had one criterion for the campus: It must be distinctive.  Since then, UC San Diego has achieved the extraordinary in education, research and innovation.  Sixteen Nobel laureates have taught on campus; our stellar faculty members have been awarded Fields Medals, Pulitzer Prizes, McArthur Fellowships and many other honors.  UC San Diego—recognized as one of the top ten public universities by U.S. News & World Report and named by the Washington Monthly as number one in the nation in rankings measuring “what colleges are doing for the country”—is widely acknowledged for its local impact, national influence and global reach.  Join us in celebrating 50 years of visionaries, innovators and overachievers.  Visit www.50th.ucsd.edu for more information.

Media contact: Henry DeVries or 858-534-9955