This will be the end-game business model for edX, Coursera and Udacity - once they gain critical mass by establishing a large user base and a good reputation beyond their parents' reputations.
I see them creating two tracks based on the same open content: 1) a free not-for-credit track for informal continuing education and 2) a credit-based track with more stringent exit requirements (traditional final assessments and assignments).
For the latter, they will be able to charge quite a bit, if it's commensurate with a proper degree from an accredited institution.
The billion dollar question: how are they going to administer assessment for distance learners? The ability to securely and reliably administer tests by remote is the final piece of the puzzle to enable accreditable distance learning courses.
I see them creating two tracks based on the same open content: 1) a free not-for-credit track for informal continuing education and 2) a credit-based track with more stringent exit requirements (traditional final assessments and assignments).
For the latter, they will be able to charge quite a bit, if it's commensurate with a proper degree from an accredited institution.
The billion dollar question: how are they going to administer assessment for distance learners? The ability to securely and reliably administer tests by remote is the final piece of the puzzle to enable accreditable distance learning courses.