It's essential that everyone join in,'' says Walton, who prods reticent students by E-mail. Classes that teach Net skills are especially popular. As part of the course work, Tyler designed a trade show to bring together far-flung dairy farmers. But not all courses are so satisfying. Tyler took one free class where the teacher simply stopped logging on, and often students drop out of low-cost classes, putting a damper on the discussion.
Some students complain that chats are too time-consuming and hard to follow.
To evaluate online offerings, ask colleges whether their programs are accredited and check out private seminars as you would any other consultant and follow up on credentials and references by telephone if necessary. Or stick to well-established programs, like those of the New School and UC Extension. And should a taste of Internet education merely whet your appetite for more, take a look at the fast-growing online programs offered by the University of Phoenix, whose students tend to be experienced professionals. By Dee Gill in Jackson, Miss.