Since the textbook lays out the logic and the calculations and I reiterate it(ad nauseum) and they still don't comprehend the logic, I don't think they would be able to self teach.
But, my point regarding these open source courses is that I think they are great, but given the limited nature of many people's early education, I am not sure that they will be the "great equalizer" that one might think since not everyone will be able to take advantage of them.
Well put, LNEsMom.
The key element of education that is typically missing from these courses is feedback on the student's work. Better, more personalized feedback means more learning. Most students are not sophisticated enough to monitor their own work; they need expert feedback to achieve mastery.
These online resources are great for those who can use them, but using them well requires a level of preparation that I doubt most people have.
DeeDee
