The efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's human capital pipeline has become a prime area of focus in the policy arena, spurred on by international data that show the U.S. lagging in high school and college completion. For policymakers, education leaders, and even students and parents, it is becoming increasingly clear that the transition…

Few phenomena in recent history have generated investment, debate, and analysis as online/e-learning. Whether by Internet, video network, or other means, online course and program delivery has been heralded--and dismissed--as a vehicle for revolutionizing teaching and learning in higher education. However, after about a decade of start-ups,…