FRANKFORT — Kentucky's system for delivering college courses to homes and offices by computer is branching into professional development and job training.

        Twelve programs have been launched through Kentucky Virtual University, with plans for 10 more, the agency said in a statement.

        Programs include information technology certification, paralegal training and continuing education for accountants, among others.

        Students must register at the KVU Web site to gain access to courses. Once in class, they interact with instructors and other students through e-mail, virtual chat and message boards.

        Some programs are led by in structors and others are self-paced with a tutor. Certification and continuing education units come directly from an educational provider, not the virtual university, the statement said.

        Kentucky Virtual University, created as part of a reorganization of higher education in 1997, opened in fall 1999. Twenty-four colleges and universities offered 175 courses this fall to 2,374 students in 19 states and four foreign countries, according to the statement.

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