Online degree programs offered by universities have many advantages and disadvantages and can replace traditional classroom learning to varying extent. While I believe online degrees cannot completely replace traditional classroom learning, it can however, provide higher learning to students who would otherwise have been unable to attend traditoinal classes which, in my opinion, serves the intended purpose.
Online degree programs were not meant to replace traditional classroom learning. They exist in order to provide higher education to students who, due to life circumstances, are unable to attend university at a traditional pace. The flexibility of taking classes at ones own pace allows a non-traditional student to complete degree requirements at their own time.
From my perspective, nothing can replace traditional classroom learning. Humans have been genetically programmed for thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years to learn from cooperation and face-to-face interaction.
To conclude, universities offering higher level education online cannot entirely replace traditional classes, however it can offer more students the chance to earn a degree who would not have been able to previously. Thus serving its intended purpose