Since fall 2004, C21 Online has offered non-credit courses to all comers in two styles: on-demand mini-classes that are free and self-guided; and moderated discussion classes (currently 10 of them) that run four to six weeks and involve groups of 20–25.

The discussion classes, available for a $75 fee, have pulled well: “What Makes Us Catholic,” based on the book of the same name by theology professor Thomas H. Groome, has enrolled 301 online students since it was first offered in fall 2004; another class, “Encountering Mark, Matthew, and Luke: The Synoptic Gospels,” has enrolled 226 since spring 2006; and “Parents Handing on the Faith” has had 195 students since spring 2005.

Attendance at the on-demand courses has been strong also, with “The Death of Jesus” drawing 4,106 visitors since March 2006 and “The Birth of Jesus” drawing 9,143 visitors since December 2006. Here is a sample breakdown:

“Birth of Jesus” (launched December 2006)
Total visitors: 9,143
Total countries: 98
Countries with the most visits: United States (8,909), Philippines (682), Canada (614), Australia (606), United Kingdom (380)
Total states: 51 (including District of Columbia)
States with the most visits: Massachusetts (1,230), New York (884), California (660), Pennsylvania (511), New Jersey (433), Ohio (411)

Read more by Anna Marie Murphy