There is a difference between “remote” classes that involve a recorded lecture originally offered to an in-person class, and well-designed “online” classes that feature a lot of written discussion, papers, and enhanced audio-visual/media components.
It is impossible to avoid discussion on these classes. The kid who might hide in a corner on campus, still has to do required posts. There is a lot of writing.
Harvard Extension, to my knowledge, offers remote classes that are mostly recorded lectures, or at least the courses I have looked into have that model. Also note that HES has a class limit.
Online classes should have 20-25 students as an upper limit so that discussion can thrive. It is a community.
I have taken online classes that are superior in content and participation to in-person classes. Sometimes they cost more.
Many adult college students depend on online classes. The difference is the social life, and extra curriculars that appeal to traditional aged students. Those who are older and want the degree but don’t need the rest, learn fine on online classes.
The problems with online classes are clear with some subjects: sciences that require labs, music, dance and theater students who require performances, maybe others.
The fact that some people are suing schools for what they consider an inferior experience as those schools offered online classes this spring semester, boggles the mind. I hope people can find the positives in these classes.
But schools should spend the summer making them true online classes rather than just remote versions of the in-person ones.