If you've avoided online learning because of its lack of interaction and overuse of the infamous "PowerPoint Lecture," now may be a good time to give it a second chance. Online colleges are learning from their mistakes and putting together online classrooms that rival the traditional learning experience. U.S. News and World Report explains:

"E-learning is getting an upgrade. Some professors and schools are redesigning their courses to take advantage of the Web's interactive and visual possibilities, adopting some bleeding-edge technologies such as gamelike simulations and digital avatars to make online courses more exciting and more effective than traditional classrooms. Many students even say that a good E-learning course inspires them to work harder."

Not convinced? Ask a potential online college for a run-through of a course. Many schools now provide sample courses for interested parties to explore.