While I am supportive of anything to improve drivers skills, there is nothing like the real experience. There are many situations, especially road and weather conditions, where you really need to have a feel for it.
The current on-line programs available in Texas require the student to do the bookwork at home, on-line, and pass a written test administered from the computer. After the student has shown adequate knowledge of
roadway laws the program then requires the student to be taught 30 or so hours of behind-the-wheel driving by the parent. My problem is on the accountability side of this type of program. Who is making sure the student is actually doing the work on the computer? A sibling or the parent could be doing the work.