Educational Technology

Ron Toll, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said nearly 70 percent of FGCU students take at least one online course each academic year. That rate is above state and national averages.  “We see online learning at increased levels beyond that which we see today as being an opportunity to reach more students in a very cost-effective manner, and in a way that we guarantee will equal the face-to-face experience,” Toll said. Representatives from Florida’s 12 public universities each took their turns Thursday addressing the Florida Board of Governors’ innovation and online committee, which met on FGCU’s campus. At one time, FGCU estimated a maximum enrollment of about 22,000 students based on physical restraints. Online courses and programs eliminate the need for many classrooms because sessions can be conducted via online chats, forums, email and even iTunes.