The name itself is a dead giveaway. An online program allows for the instruction of courses remotely, using the computer and Internet as a medium. Such an online method of schooling eliminates the need for face-to-face interaction and classroom attendance.
Possibly the main reason why students pursue online degrees can be attributed to the flexibility that such courses offer. Because it is done online, students are offered the mobility of studying wherever they want, be it at home, at work, or even in the park, and whenever they want. And because students can choose to participate in classes at their own leisure, the need to travel to school and back is eliminated. Online courses make locations irrelevant. Regardless if you're in the Sudanese desert or just next door to campus, you can earn those much-needed units as long as you have access to a computer and the Internet.
With the many multimedia and communication tools available on the Web today, online programs ensure that course materials are effectively instructed and information is properly disseminated. Furthermore, although classes are conducted for groups, class participation is asynchronous. This means that if you do miss certain sessions, you can simply use the tools provided to you to play catch-up and view 'classroom' interactions at a later date. This shouldn't be abused and confused with self-paced studies, however, because online studies will still follow each term's normal academic schedule.
An online degree is the new frontier of education where students can earn the knowledge that they seek with the convenience and ease that contribute to better learning. Go get that online education today.