Being a thoroughbred book nerd, it probably wouldn't surprise you to hear that I'm working on my master's in library and information science. But it might surprise you to know that I can get my degree online. 

Although I live in Alabama, I'm studying at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio because I was drawn to their museum studies and digital preservation specializations. Having gone from a traditional educational experience getting my bachelor's to now 100% online classes getting my master's, I can safely say that online classes are MUCH better for book nerds. Here are a few reasons why:

1) If you like to read, you're a self-motivated lifelong learner by default.

You're used to reading alone and don't need the pressure of a classroom full of students to make you do the work. You get the reading done because you enjoy it--not because you fear being called on in class and not knowing the material. 

2) You prefer to work alone.

For the most part, taking online classes is a solitary venture. In addition to the benefit of bypassing opportunities for social awkwardness, this is also a good way to bypass the dreaded team project, where you'd end up doing all the work anyway. 

3) You like words, so you may not always be the most visual learner.

With recorded lectures, you can stop and start as often as you like so you have more time to take notes, AND you can rewind to capture that perfect quote just right. 

4) There's a LOT of reading.

Instead of a live class discussion, the discussions take place online, often in the form of message boards. In a live classroom where you'd normally be listening or attempting to re-draw a visual from your professor's PowerPoint into your notes (and failing miserably), you can sit back and read. You can plan out exactly what you want to say (write) about the class before, during, or after the class's end--there's no pressure to share your thoughts by the end of class like in a live setting. Communicating via message board also means if a classmate says something stupid, you don't have to worry about holding back your giggle snorts or open-mouthed incredulity. 

5) You can schedule your classes around your nerdy hobbies.

If you choose asynchronous classes, which means all the class materials are packaged and given to you to do at whatever time is convenient for you, you can schedule taking the class around your existing nerdy hobbies, such as pleasure reading. While it's definitely possible to schedule your classes around your life, this gets increasingly difficult to do the more classes you take on. But at least, unlike many institutions where live classes are the only option, you have more choices for scheduling.