Online classes may be the only delivery system available to these place bound students. The time-bound student also benefits. They may work variable shifts, or their travel time requires long workdays. Meeting a regularly scheduled class time may be impossible. The availability of computers and modems in households means more people have the technical capability.
Students receive a taste of college class work without having to actually attend class.
It can 'hook' some students into taking other computer classes. This creates a wider available student base for your local college. I just had a baby 2 weeks prior to the class and also had a 2 year old. With having 3 kids, was easier not to have to leave home to try to find parking place at college. Could work on it till I understood it, not having to rush and learn it in 1 or 2 hours.