With distance learning, there is no opportunity to gain episodic memory. Learning occurs only via the computer screen. That screen cannot provide role models, connect the students to each other nor to their teachers in any meaningful way. Distance learning is viewed as a service industry by the new virtual universities. After all, these degree programs must earn their accreditation, just as site-based universities do.
Businesses earn profits by promoting their goods.
In this case, the goods are computers, telephone lines, software, and virtual education. Open University cannot easily assess the immeasurable. Farber goes further to say that there is an even wider function of education, one that goes beyond competency in the student's field of specialization to address that individual as a whole and his or her role in the workplace and society at large. These are all skills attained by general education or the study of the Liberal Arts. U of Phoenix's president Gibbs would like to see Gen Ed courses available at his university.