Many colleges provide online classes as a service to students with tight work schedules and family responsibilities. But, at least one school believes that online learning teaches students skills they can't get in the classroom. Beginning in the fall semester, students attending Ohio's Northwest State Community College will have to take at least one online course to graduate. Inside Higher Ed explains:

"More than 60 percent of last year's graduates already took one or more online courses, but administrators and college trustees want all students to be well versed in independent research and discovery - skills that employers demand, they say - and feel that online education is one way to accomplish that."

Northwest State Community College has a unique position here. Some colleges treat online programs with a bit less respect than traditional programs. But, Northwest State is telling students that learning via the internet is a positive way for enrollees to become independent learners.

For more information see: Making Online Learning Mandatory.