As the article points out, WGU isn't really offering anything new. Of course they can. The answer is because faculty offer leadership and guidance. They do have expertise in the subject matter, you know, Ms. Hutter, maybe even beyond what a student's parents have. Learn by yourself, and you'll learn what you feel like learning and what you think you need to know.
Instructors offer discipline and focus.
Their interaction is invaluable. If professors sincerely believe, as I do, that faculty interaction is important as part of an education, they MUST become more involved with teaching in all capacities, and reclaim the profession as a noble and worthwhile one. That is, if it is not too late. Because of the obvious disdain for teachers that we have in this country, I fear that it already is. Check this box if you would like this submission to be considered for publication as a letter to the editor in the printed Chronicle.