Are online classes significantly different from correspondence courses?

Other than the instantaneous electronic transfer of information in online classes, are they really any different from correspondence courses?

Why is there a stigma against correspondence courses, but less of a stigma against online courses?

What makes online classes different, if anything?

Argument: There is little difference between the two and the outcome is the same.

 

According to the U.S. Federal Government's definitions of "correspondence education" and "distance education," the main difference between the two has to do with the level of interaction between students and their instructors. Distance education is supposed to be distinguished by "regular and substantive" interaction, whereas correspondence education is characterized normally by self-paced courses where there is little or no required interaction by the instructor--apart from responding to student questions and grading assignments--and interaction is usually initiated by the student.

The major difference is that, in the U.S., correspondence education courses are not eligible for Federal Title IV funds (e.g. pell grants and government student loans).

Are there "online courses" that, in reality, function more like correspondence courses? Sadly, yes--far too many.

 

The California Bar Association recognizes three kinds of unaccredited law schools:

So they make a distinction between "correspondence" and "distance-learning" schools. But in practice, I think that "correspondence" and "distance-learning" schools are subject to exactly the same rules, so I'm not sure that it makes any real difference.