Do you consider yourself an introvert? Does the thought of a large, crowded lecture hall make you reconsider college all together? Do participation grades and group projects cause you to groan and break out in a sweat? You aren't alone.
Finding the perfect college and university is really important in order to study and learn in an optimal environment for your particular personality.
While it makes sense that introverts may naturally want to choose a smaller college, there are some surprising advantages to online classes as well.
Related: Advantages of Private Christian Colleges
Online college professors consistently report that many of their students who tend to be quieter (or not participate at all) in a traditional classroom, really shine in their online classes. 
The Unique Online Class Environment and Culture
Online classes often have online discussions and forums as part of the curriculum. In these cases, every student has the opportunity to participate and contribute. This is not always the case in a traditional, in-person classroom. You know the deal; the same students are always raising their hands, speaking out of turn, or dominating the conversation.
Online teachers are much better able to pull every student into the conversation in an online setting because they aren't putting the students on the spot in front of their peers, where some might tend to shut down or get embarrassed.
In an online setting, each student has time to formulate their answers and input by typing responses instead of having to speak in front of the group.
Public speaking, whether it is giving a formal presentation or simply answering a question in class, can be terrifying to some people. Online classes offer the perfect vehicle to participate in a non-threatening, non-anxiety inducing way.
5 Reasons Introverts Love Online Courses
#1. You don't have to go anywhere.
You can literally study from anywhere at anytime. If you don't feel like "people-ing" today, you don't have to. You can study in your pajamas without even brushing your teeth first. You can lay in bed and study, wrapped in your favorite blanket. Ahhhh.
#2. You always have "homework" to do.
Online students must be self-motivators and in charge of their own calendar. Online learning requires a certain amount of self-discipline to stay on task and keep up. You don't have a class to get to every day or a professor who needs to see your face to take attendance. "I have homework to do" is a readily available and legitimate excuse to get out of any social obligation you don't feel like attending.
Just to be clear, online learning isn't necessarily harder doesn't require more homework than a traditional class. You just aren't on the same schedule as your campus trudging co-eds.
#3. You can accomplish a lot without having to go anywhere.
Distance learning requires you to spend time alone studying. You can stay home or in a comfy cafe or library and accomplish a lot in a short period of time. You don't have to feel guilty for not going somewhere or not talking to anyone.
#4. You can take your time responding.
In online learning, much of your responses, and therefore grades, are written. You can take the time you need to articulate your thoughts and present your ideas in the best way possible.
#5. You can learn at your own pace.
Your learning is not sped up or slowed down by the other students in your class. You can pause a lecture, go back to it, speed it up, and so on.
Technology is, and always has been, changing the way we learn and accomplish things. This is really good news for everybody and every type of learner. But it is especially important to introverts because you can learn in a comfortable environment that you can control and optimize.
Online classes and courses may not be the best option fore everyone, and may not work for every introvert either, but hopefully the above listed advantages have given you some things to think about. What will work best for you?
Great Lakes Christian College Offers Many Online Options
Our accredited online Christian college programs are designed to be flexible and affordable so you can successfully complete your degree entirely online without sacrificing work, community and family responsibilities. With online Bible classes, you work around your schedule one class at a time.
