Final answer:
The discussion points to the growth of online enrollment in higher education and how it surpasses the growth of the general student population. Changes in higher education enrollment patterns and faculty involvement in online courses are key factors influencing the landscape of university education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion around the growth in online course enrollment during the fall 2006 term suggests a significant trend in higher education. With an increase of almost 10 percent from the previous year and a growth rate that far exceeds the overall higher education student population growth, online education is becoming an integral part of the university experience. The reported statistics highlight the evolving landscape of higher education where distance learning is playing a vital role and indicating that higher education enrollment patterns are changing over time.
In addition to the trend in online courses, other factors such as the duration it takes full-time students to graduate with percentages distributed over four to seven years, and the participation of full-time faculty in teaching these courses are noteworthy. These elements shape the fabric of the higher education system, indirectly pointing to the broader educational challenges and opportunities. The information about part-time and full-time student behaviors, faculty involvement, and graduation timelines contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the state of higher education.