Serena Golden took an introductory economics class from StraighterLine in order to compare that really inexpensive, no-instructor, all on line class to more traditional offerings at more established institutions. She has written a three-part paper on the experience, with lots of interviews with experts and descriptions of her class experience. Her report might not shake you up, but will will make you think about academic planning and academic programs (and budgets).

One interviewee whose name you will know is Carol Twigg of the National Center for Academic Transrormation (NCAT). Golden finishes her third and final report with a summation from Twigg about StraighterLine's product:

“Within the universe of institutions,” Twigg said, “there are high-quality courses and mediocre courses and really lousy courses…. [StraighterLine] is well within the sort of mediocre and above, because of the oversight that’s gone into it.”

“I think it’s certainly a viable option within the panoply of higher education offerings,” she concluded. “How’s that for a lukewarm endorsement?” She paused, laughing.

“It’s as good as the other stuff.”

The "other stuff," of course, is what our institutions do now for lots more money.