Again, a kernel of truth. The College Board recently reported on the tensions between the growing online learning industry and growing concern for equity of educational access. However, this argument ignores the history and variety of distance learning. Distance learning has been around since Ancient Greece, offered through every technology from scrolls to satellites. Today, education and training continues to be delivered through ordinary mail and fax, as well as through web sites and desktop videoconferencing.
Distance learning is a plot against professors.
Perhaps some truth here, depending on the administration. Some administrators may dream of eliminating pesky professors through automating education and think this is the solution. But this is more of a personality conflict rather than a problem for distance learning. Distance learning is a fraud. Often the dark side of distance learning is in the news when diploma mills are exposed or condemned.