Have you ever sat in class wondering, “when am I going to use this in real life?” Online classes answer this question right away by using creative learning experiences called authentic assessments to test students’ skills and apply what they’ve learned in a realistic setting. Simply put, authentic assessments offer innovative ways to learn beyond reading text, like learning information through a virtual escape room or practicing a skill set in a virtual simulation or lab.

Now more than ever, companies are embracing hybrid and remote work options. Online learning prepares students for today’s adaptive work environment by honing top employability skills like self-motivation, time management, and an expertise in written communication through the use of discussion boards, managed assignments, and other digital tools. So, when you successfully earn your degree online, you prove to employers that you have the modern skillset to tackle multiple responsibilities, set priorities, and adapt to changing work conditions.

Learning is not one-size-fits all. Whether you are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, online learning gives you the flexibility to create a customized learning environment. While traditional classes are often limited by the professor’s teaching style and a specified class period, online classes engage students with multimedia materials, like videos, podcasts, discussion forums, readings, and more, so they can interact with the material in a way that’s most compatible with their learning style. Students also have the ability to learn at their own pace and revisit material whenever necessary. Using tools like Blackboard Ally, they can even convert reading materials into alternative formats like mp3 and html files.

If you’re a full-time employee, a parent, or a generally busy person, you may not have time for a traditional on-campus degree. Taking courses online offers greater work/life balance and gives you more freedom to complete your coursework on your own schedule. So, if you’re an early bird bursting with morning energy, you can start your studies before the workday. And if you’re a busy parent juggling play dates and homework, you can attend to your coursework when the kids are in bed. Online learning is also more flexible than classroom-based learning, so you can work through the material at your own pace. If you need more time to grasp a concept, take it. If you have extra time and want to work faster, go for it!

Whether you’re sitting at a desk in your home office or on vacation with family and friends, online learning gives you the freedom and flexibility to learn where you want, when you want. No matter where you are, you can stay connected with your instructors and classmates using conferencing software like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. You can even remotely access important student resources, like UWill (a teletherapy platform), the writing center, the library, ITS, and a student success coach – all with the click of a keyboard.