Should online courses be offered at more colleges? Today, there is a growing demand for students who are determined to continue their education without having to go to school. Critics of online education argue that traditional classroom teaching is better than online education. However, online courses should be offered at more colleges. One of the reasons why online courses are offered at colleges is the comfort level. In this case, students are less intimidated by certain students around them in the classrooms. Because there are students who smell bad and have a rude personality, some students may feel uncomfortable around them and lose concentration in class discussions. Additionally, students, especially ESL students who have difficulty speaking and writing in English, may think longer than usual about what they want to say before saying it in order to avoid the use of 'bad grammar. Additionally, with online classes, students become more involved in discussions. Shy, quiet, and hesitant students are likely to participate. They thus become more open, less shy and more comfortable in discussions. According to Sara Cordell, an English professor at the University of Illinois-Springfield, students attend and listen to her classes online; furthermore, because the students enjoy talking with each other and writing with each other, they can spend real time with the other students as much as with her, which fascinates her (Abramson). In short, the main reason why more online courses are offered in colleges is the comfort level of students, as not all students are comfortable with other students around them in the classrooms. Apart from the comfort level, saving resources is another reason for online courses. be in addition co......middle of paper......colleges. With online courses, students save time and money in pursuing their studies. Additionally, students can balance their studies and other commitments by taking online courses. Finally, because students are more engaged and comfortable when taking courses online, online courses should be offered at more colleges. Works Cited Abramson, Larry. "Online courses gaining ground at U.S. colleges: NPR." NPR: National Public Radio: News & Analysis, World, USA, Music & Arts: NPR. November 28, 2007. The web. April 28, 2011. “Has the quality of online learning kept pace with its growth? » Chronicle of Higher Education 57.11 (2010): B42-B46. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO.Web. April 20, 2011. Rowh, Mark. “Is Online Learning Right for You?” » Career World 32.6 (2004): 18-20. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO.Web. April 24. 2011.