The University of Texas System tried to do this in the late 90s/early 00s. They concluded Web-based distance education is not appropriate for every student. [0]

The University of Texas System tried to do this in the late 90s/early 00s. They concluded Web-based distance education is not appropriate for every student. [0] (There also exists a long form narrative about the origins of this, but I can't seem to find it again) The opinion columnist misses crucially what college is. It's not really about lectures. Rather, it's an incubator for young people to intellectually grow. Online courses don't give you the ability to drop in on a hundred different clubs, go to the library, party, date, drop in the office of some very smart people. A college campus drops some thousands of young people in the same proximity, and gives them a collective experience. It situates them amongst a litany of highly intellectual adults and gives them a way to try news things. I just graduated from university, and I was leaving the core curriculum had become under conflict. I attended a Jesuit university, so there was a large philosophical/religious portion of curriculum. Opponents say this leads to no meaning job skills, and it's hard to disagree. College isn't just about getting a job, at least it shouldn't be. We have culturally deemed the degree necessary for employment, and that's the bigger issue. I grew philosophically and theoretically in the classroom, but it was everything outside of the classroom that made me readily employable. Frankly, it was a privilege that I had four years to figure out who I was and what I enjoyed. I recognize that not everyone is this fortunate. Some go to college just because they need to find jobs. That is where I think online learning has potential. We must acknowledge it will lead to a bifurcation in higher education. Online degrees are already less respected than degrees from high-ranking private universities or good public systems (UC/UT/UM). This bifurcation is not necessarily a bad thing. Those who want job skill training should be able to opt for online programs and be able to land jobs (Think like what Lambda aims to achieve). The wealthy and high-achieving will still go to expensive private universities in person. For everyone else, there should be an accessible means for gainful employment at a fraction of the cost. I see the fundamental issue in higher education being that colleges have become more expensive as they become more comprehensive experiences, but the market forces bachelors degree attainment for even basic employment. The result is that those who don't need, or don't want, all the luxuries have to subsidize the cost. [0] http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/53/110 http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/53/110