On-line classes have become a major part of Northwest Mississippi Community College, according to eLearning dean Phyllis Johnson.

Johnson reported that summer enrollment for on-line classes nearly doubled since last year.

“The college is up 626 students from last year, with an additional 1,139 on-line classes,” she said.

Northwest has a total of 1,498 students taking 2,410 on-line classes this summer,

said Johnson.

“There are a total of 883 students taking just on-line classes this summer. This number does not include the 200 other students we teach coming from other community colleges,” she said.

Johnson believes one of the reasons for the increase is convenience for students.

“As long as students have Internet capabilities they have access to their classes. It is anytime, anywhere learning,” said Johnson.

The percentage of traditional and non-traditional students who take on-line classes is 50/50, according to Johnson.

“In our regular session, we have more non-traditional students. This is because most of our non-traditional students work full-time, and on-line classes offer them more flexibility.

“During the summer, we have more traditional age students who are out for the summer but need to take a class that works with their schedule,” she said.

According to former Northwest student Blake Embrey of Senatobia, on-line classes allowed him the opportunity to participate in activities outside of the classroom.

“On-line classes offer an advantage for those students who have a busy schedule. When I attended Northwest, I played baseball, attended classes full-time and worked part-time. On-line classes allowed me to take the classes I needed when they were convenient for me,” said Embrey.

“On-line classes are also a great help for those students who work full-time and are unable to attend classes regularly,” he said.

Embrey, who graduated from Northwest in 2007, is currently in nursing school at the University of Memphis. He is taking an on-line class through Northwest this summer.

“The class I needed—statistics—wasn’t offered at the University of Memphis in the summer, so I decided to take the class through Northwest. The class was offered at DeSoto Center in Southaven and on-line,” said Embrey.

He decided to take the class on-line because of his work schedule.

“If it wasn’t for Northwest, I would have to take an additional semester at U of M for one class. It was a big help for me to be able to take my class on-line,” he said.

According to Embrey, Northwest has made a lasting impression on him.

“I had a great experience at Northwest. The time I spent there allowed me to get out on my own, but it was nice to have my parents and people I knew close by,” he said. “There’s a close knit feel with students on campus.”

After nursing school, Embrey plans to work at a hospital in DeSoto County or Memphis.

For more information about on-line classes through the college’s eLearning Division, visit  www.northwestms.edu/elearning/elearninghome.html or call 662-560-5259.