Distance Learning Foreign Language Course

What do you think of foreign language courses offered through distance learning? Does anyone here on this DB have any experience taking such courses?

Oregon State University offers online French courses. Here is the link to the syllabus:
http://services.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/syllabi/downloadsyllabus.aspx?docid=4935

The course includes closed-book exams, written assignments, online exercises/lecture/video activities, and oral practice activities that involve the student recording their voices at a website and speaking with the professor.

 

I'm not sure I think of them any differently than any other course.