The past twenty years have seen a near-exponential increase in the availability and popularity of online college classes and degree programs. Their pervasiveness raises the question of the difference between a credit or degree earned in an online environment versus that of the traditional classroom. These two education delivery systems will be compared from the perspective of flexibility, student experience, the impact of technology, and the question of acceptability of online classes and degree programs. One of the main benefits of an online degree program is the flexibility it offers to someone who works a demanding job, lives geographically far from a college campus, or who simply finds it more convenient for a variety of other reasons. These challenges of the modern workforce have, in fact, been the big driver of the exponential increase in online degree programs over the past decade. Additionally, the flexibility offered by an online degree program allows you to customize a program that fits your personal learning style and pace. One area of ​​great contrast between the two forms of education concerns the student experience. For example, students can enjoy taking tests or listening to lectures in the comfort of their own home. However, this comes with the serious disadvantage of not being able to ask questions when they arise naturally. An online student may have to wait for their instructor to respond to an email, while being present in class allows questions to be asked and answered on the spot. Another benefit of attending a brick-and-mortar college is having access to classmates for study groups or help with homework. After reading several students' opinions on their online classes, I came to realize the overall experience... paper medium... edible credential." Global Education Journals. 2013.3 (2013): 67-95. Educational Research Completed . Network. April 2, 2014. Haynie, Devon. “What Employers Really Think About Your Online Bachelor's Degree.” Daily News & World Report, July 31 2013. Web. April 2, 2014. LaPairie, Kimberly, and Janice M. Hinson. “Exchange Spaces: Moving Face-to-Face Courses to the Online Environment.” Journal of Interactive Instruction Development 18.1 (2005): 3-8 completed. Network. April 2, 2014.Phillips, Vicky. "5 Things Real Students Hate About Online Degrees. Word Press." August 6, 2012. Web. April 2, 2014.Pearcy, Mark. “Student, Teacher, Professor: Three Perspectives on Online Education.” History Teacher 27.2 (2014): 169-185. Network. April 2, 2014.Sambenedetto, Megan. Personal interview. April 3 2014.