Growth in online learning at South Dakota public universities outpaces the national trend, according to a report that will be presented to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

The number of students enrolled in some type of distance education course in the 2008-09 academic year was up 17 percent over the previous year, compared with a 12.9 percent growth rate nationally, as reported by the Sloan Consortium. Registrations for individual distance courses also increased last year by 14 percent, to a total of 31,636.

Rajeev Bukralia, dean of educational outreach at Black Hills State University, said one of the biggest factors is that South Dakota is a rural state.

"Adult students who work or have other commitments aren't able to come to campus," he said. "And in order to become competitive in a global economy, they are seeking to advance their education. Distance education is really helpful in that."

Black Hills State is launching more long-distance programs, Bukralia said, including a master's in strategic leadership, started last year.

"That has become very successful," he said, and several military students stationed throughout the country have taken advantage of the courses.

"The popularity of distance education in South Dakota remains strong, and it shows no sign of letting up," said Cathy Anderson, who coordinates distance learning programs for the regents. "In South Dakota, online education has truly become part of the mainstream of higher education."

It isn't for everyone, Bukralia said.

"There are students who prefer face-to-face classes," he said. "Sometimes online education is suited for them, and sometimes it's not. We want to provide them different pathways to pursue their education."

Journal reporter Kayla Gahagan contributed to this report.