Imagine rolling out of bed and acing a test while still warm and fuzzy in pajamas, underwear or other unmentionable sleepwear, a situation that would get you kicked out of traditional classes but never an online class.

This dream of comfortable learning is a reality for over 2,800 Nicholls students, the largest online attendance since the program started in 2000. There are 112 online classes available as of the current 2011 spring semester, the most ever offered.

Many students taking these classes are not in it just for the comfort; those with full-time jobs, children or other unique situations are able to work on their own time and at their own pace.

Classes are “taught” by regular Nicholls instructors who take on the challenge to make learning more accessible to students.

“The teachers who do it are really passionate about it,” said Andrew Simoncelli, assistant professor of mass communication and coordinator of E-Learning. “They really do it out of their own will. It takes a lot of time and effort to create an online course, but they really enjoy doing it and they see students enjoying it.”

While online classes do not meet at specific times or class periods, they follow a traditional class setup with deadlines, homework and tests.

“Classes are always done remotely,” Simoncelli said. “Students shouldn’t have to come to campus for anything at all. Students can be here in Thibodaux or anywhere in the world, actually.”

There are online students living in other states, serving in the military and even some living in other countries, like Iraq.

Because many classes would not work online, there are some studies that must be completed in the traditional on-campus fashion.

Many of the classes available are English, nursing and math courses, but there are several others also. A complete list of this semester’s online classes can be found at nicholls.edu/distance.

While the classes are weighted like regular face-to-face classes, there is an extra $50 technology fee.