The Internet has made a plethora of actions and information available, from maps of just about anywhere to face-to-face international communication. Online interaction now includes going to college. More than a quarter of college students (4.6 million) did just that by taking at least one online class at the start of the 2008-2009 school year. Before you rush off to join them, there are a few things you should know about learning online or in a classroom.

Almost 70% of U.S. homes have Internet access, and online learning is becoming more popular. Online education has tons of advantages--namely, the ability to study and do "classwork" at any time, day or night, all within the comforts of home or anywhere else with Internet access. Online classes can be great on their own or in conjunction with on-campus classes, allowing school to fit in around other things like work or conflicting class times.

If your job or other obligations prevent relocating to go to school, online learn-ing offers substantial geographic benefits. You no longer have to be located with-in walking, biking, or driving distance of a university or college campus to take classes. Prestigious colleges and universities across the country offer online classes and degree programs, so you can benefit from their expertise without physically going to school.

Benefits aside, online students should be aware that virtual communication is a lot different than attending classes in person. Nonverbal communication is thrown out the window (unless you're using a webcam and a program like Skype). Remember that it's a lot harder for a professor or classmates to understand humor and sarcasm if they can't see your face.

Classrooms have been around for thousands of years, and for good reason. Holding discussion and debate in real time can't be copied by sitting in a room by yourself with a book and a computer. Every individual brings his or her viewpoint to the table, which can open up the dialogue and, who knows, might even teach you something.

Traditional classes might also be better for those who aren't so great with time management. It's more difficult to ignore a growing pile of reading assignments when class meets regularly to talk about them. Deadlines may be easier to remember and motivation may come more naturally with daily in-class reminders, peer pressure, and a set schedule.

Choosing between online and traditional classes purely on cost seems like it should be a snap, but it turns out that nailing down average prices to compare is a tough task. For example, the total cost for a full-time, in-state student taking on-campus classes at the University of Washington (UW) is $7,692 per year, while the same student taking online classes would pay $9,321. But you also can take online classes from institutions such as StraighterLine, which offers courses for as little as $99 per month plus $39 for every course.

Throwing yet another wrench into making a fair comparison, out-of-state tuition and fees at campus-based universities can be over three times as much as in-state tuition. For example, the out-of-state tuition for a full-time, on-campus student at UW is $24,367. But since many schools (including UW) don't make a distinction between resident and nonresident students when pricing their online classes, it would still cost just $9,321 for that same student to take courses online. Since tuition and fees vary greatly by school, make sure to compare tuition costs for each prospective school before making a decision.

Although many degrees can be obtained either with traditional classes or online, consider your abilities before committing to either method. Some learners benefit from hands-on training and interaction with students and teachers. Others are more independent and thrive in a self-directed environment. It might help to complete a self-assessment or personality test--try learning-styles-online.com--before making a decision. Assess your skills and abilities to make sure they match the program you have in mind.

Sources: humanmetrics.com; usnews.com; montgomerycollege.edu; straighterline.com; mercurynews.com; lavc.edu; uw.edu; psu.edu