The Virtual Alternative

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An increasing number of teacher candidates are exchanging long commutes and the more rigid schedules of bricks and mortar universities for the convenience and flexibility of online courses. With the help of $13.7 million in grants from the federal government, the Western Governor's University (WGU), an Internet-based teachers' college, is now boasting more than 1,300 teachers in training. A surprising number of states (22) will accept teachers who have completed WGU's program for licensure. It's important to clarify that WGU does not offer classes of its own; rather, it enables its students to access courses from universities across the country via the Internet. WGU students are still required to engage in three to six months of student teaching training. University of Phoenix, one of the nation's largest providers of online courses, is now also offering similar online courses for teachers, including a master's program.