Online enrollment for the University of Phoenix in Houston grew 19 percent over the previous quarter.

Technology has made the classes more appealing, using podcasts, PowerPoint presentations, texting and online chat rooms.

“What initially draws them is convenience,” said Marshall Schott, assistant vice president for instructional support and outreach at the University of Houston. “They don’t have to deal with parking. They don’t have to deal with commuting, with high gas prices.”

Source: High gas prices, convenience fuel Internet boom