Timetable clashes, shift work and family demands are cited more often than distance as a reason for enrolment. Some view classroom learning as a way to meet new people and gain motivation for acquiring new skills. Curriculum can be designed to maintain focus and interest. Assignments may include team projects. Many students find that they actually express themselves more online than they would in a classroom.
Some students prefer a blend of classroom and online learning.
This encourages discussion in the online portion where much of the real learning happens. If online learning doesn't suit you today, it will likely win you over in the not too distant future. Five years ago, many of us never thought we would use the Internet to do our banking, plan a vacation or buy a gift. Now an increasing number do these things as a matter of course. The same is happening with education.