In worthwhile programs, students can debate with professors on the school bulletin board and through E-mail. And they can electronically brainstorm with their peers. While much of Henley's courseware consists of mailed packs of videotaped lectures and casestudy readings, far-flung students can work in groups by conferring Via Email. Such teamwork is a hallmark of the best on-campus M.B.A. programs. To harried professionals, distance learning's greatest attribute may be that the student decides when to hear a lecture, do a paper, graduate.
Instructors also benefit by having more time to ruminate over a response to a student's performance.
For now, the surest way to find the fussy professors and quality programs is to stick with those schools whose classroom courses are accredited. It has to add up and mean something. A worthy institution also will treat credits earned on campus and at a distance as interchangeable. If missile officer Jones wanted to, he would have the flexibility to attend class at Colorado State or transfer to another school. Henley managers who are assigned to jobs that lack Internet access have the option of coming to campus.