Basically, I'd rather do the extra work to (mostly) teach myself with some instructor guidance, than have to physically be somewhere several times a week. Distance learning allows me to earn degrees without using leave, exchange of shifts, being failed out due to absences from forced OT on class days, loss of OT opportunities, loss of family time, etc.
Lack of distance learning opportunities is why I originally did a 13 month paramedic tech program rather than a two year EMS AAS back in '04/'05. This is also why I chose to be a paramedic rather than a PA or RN.
The lack of distance learning opportunities is also why it's not practical to return to school for PA or RN.