Looks like the rest of the world is coming around...

[jadechow]

Well, I'll say it - we're pioneers. Judging by the tone of this article, everyone will be "attending" college online in the future.

Although I love the idea of not having to fight for a parking spot at the "old B&M", I can't help but wonder, whatever will become of the keg party???

Will the Web kill colleges?

[JanusthePhoenix]

It will take more than Straighterline to kill the keg party.

B&M's won't go extinct altogether. There are many things that just can't be taught or experienced online, and we still need them. Like physical social contact, for instance.

[Ruddigore]

B&M's won't go extinct altogether. There are many things that just can't be taught or experienced online

Whether we want them or not.

I'm sure B&M colleges will be around for a long time yet, but it is very encouraging to see articles like this that show people are considering the alternatives. Great article, jadechow.

I just talked to a younger friend of mine today who is still in highschool. He's beginning to see the benefits of testing -- especially as he's being flooded by PSEO homework, not all of which is necessarily worth its time (though some of it certainly is). A while ago he took a College Algebra practice test cold out of the REA book I lent him and got a 50%. I told him he passed, so I think he's looking on CLEPs with a kinder eye.

[marianne202]

I agree that online courses will apply some pressure to B&M schools, but for some learning styles online learning is not well suited. They will still need to attend traditional schools so the B&M are safe. Although I do see it challenging the fees they charge so they will have to become more cost effective and competitive in pricing. I know around here they just announced that our universities will no longer be funded based on enrollment. They will now only be funded based on student success and retention. This will make the professors more accountable (a good thing) and make the community college system more rigorous as they will have to make sure the students are up to snuff when they transfer. I think this is a far better system for the students, but will put more responsibility on the schools and instructors. As a community college instructor I think this is good, because too many university professors are getting paid for marginal work and little caring about their students success. Once they pass the 10% mark they get their funding so if half the class fails out they don't care. Not anymore! I see online learning growing, but I doubt it will ever overtake B&M schools.

[ideafx]

Some of the discussion comments on that page are brutal. I guess it shouldn't be surprising that many people are misinformed.

This comment made the most sense though:

"All that is needed to take the wind out of high-priced colleges is an independent student certification program that can measure a student's knowledge independent of where or how it was received. What I propose is similar to the certifications received by CPAs, Lawyers and some computer professionals."

[jadechow]

I agree that B&Ms serve a great purpose and that certain subjects lend themselves better to the "classroom experience". However, I do like the idea that someone is acknowledging that online classes are more affordable for schools to administer. And, passing that lower cost on to students is a nice perk.

Also, since the story mentioned that 50% of college students don't complete their degree, you can't help but wonder what impact the convenience and lower cost of online classes would have on that 50%.

Now if schools would just offer more Upper level classes online - that'd be awesome!

[JanusthePhoenix]

Another thing to consider: if CLEP and other credit-by-exam sources become mainstream and people start passing left and right, the cutting score will likely increase dramatically. There won't be any more 50% passes after that, and the next move will perhaps be to revise all the tests. Get while the getting's good, people.