Jennifer,
The immediate proximity of a live teacher provides so many intangible benefits to the student–teacher dynamic that it is tough to make up for them in an online environment. Your observation that the online environment makes it much easier for the student to be disengaged is one of the stronger dynamics driving the development of many different technologies designed specifically to better engage the student. Hang in there. Online education is still in its infancy, and it appears better days are ahead.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
