FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2010

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System's (LCTCS) revolutionary online learning initiative, LCTCSOnline, has seen a dramatic enrollment increase from the spring of 2009 to spring of 2010. Enrollment jumped 43% from fall to spring with 424 current enrollments. Students throughout the state are taking advantage of this convenient way to receive a college education in an online environment.

Launched in January 2009, LCTCSOnline is one of the first initiatives in the country that offered individuals online access to education and a one-stop choice of institutions. Since launching, LCTCSOnline has made a series of improvements including moving exclusively to eBooks, meaning only electronic textbooks will be used. Because of this move, LCTCSOnline students saved 31% ($15,322) on the cost of current spring semester materials.

"We are pleased to be able to bring this sort of savings directly to our students. Not only do our students have the convenience of using our online learning portal, but they also have extra money in their pockets, and that is extremely beneficial in this current economic climate," said Dr. Joe May, LCTCS President. "LCTCSOnline is moving forward exactly how we planned. We could not be more pleased with the success we have experienced so far, and with the opportunities and access we are providing students to obtain an education."

Pearson Learning Solutions, an LCTCS Partner, was instrumental in helping LCTCSOnline offer eBooks exclusively. To initially make LCTCSOnline a reality, LCTCS partnered with Pearson, a global leader in education, technology and services, to customize courses and content. Classes have successfully been facilitated through Pearson eCollege, a leading provider of eLearning solutions and services.

"Our relationship with Pearson has been critical to the success of LCTCSOnline thus far, especially concerning our new eBooks arrangement. Pearson actually developed the bookstore and site and delivers the content to the students immediately so they no longer have to wait for textbooks to arrive in the mail. Everything is electronic. If a student wants a paper copy, they can print pages, but for the most part it's a very green-friendly solution," said Dr. Robert Johnson, Executive Director of LCTCSOnline.

"More than 18 months ago, Pearson partnered with LCTCSOnline to address the state's workforce shortage with a completely customized online learning solution targeted to Louisiana's needs," said Don Kilburn, CEO of Pearson Learning Solutions. "LCTCSOnline offers working adults the most flexible, reliable learning option available. We are thrilled with the program's success and look forward to our continued collaboration to further increase access to educational and workforce opportunities in Louisiana."

Summer and fall enrollments for LCTCSOnline will open in March 2010. After that, LCTCSOnline plans to carry on with access improvements and upgrades and offer continuous, year-round enrollment for the convenience of the student. Individuals can register for LCTCSOnline classes at www.lctcsonline.edu.

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Louisiana's Workforce Solution: The Louisiana Community and Technical College System enrolls more than 60,000 students at its institutions throughout the state. Providing a Day One Guarantee, our colleges strive to direct the high demand, industry-sensitive training our State needs. We focus on workforce and economic development, and on improving the quality of life of Louisiana’s citizens through educational programs offered at our 50 campus locations. Our System colleges include: Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College, SOWELA Technical Community College, and the Louisiana Technical College, with campuses in eight regions throughout the state.