The University of Phoenix has started a new program that is a combination of residential classroom learning in conjunction with online classes and it is called "Flexnet." The first and last courses are residential classes and the in-between classes are delivered online. source This is a rather novel idea, as the UoP has recently come under intense public scrutiny for allegedly having substandard academic programs in their online formats. The Flexnet program offers a reduction of this stigma by offering a combination of residential classrooms and online classes. I speculate that this could become an academic trend over the next 10 years, as 100% online degree programs continue to come under academic scrutiny. Instead of throwing out the baby with the bath water, online programs may be used in Flexnet-type programs. We will probably continue to see an academic evolution of delivery-standards over the next 20 years.
