Sorry to be unclear. The kind of online course about which I've heard this criticism of is not the sort of course you're describing, Cym. I think you're right that if the reason you have to be at the computer at a set time is so you can talk to people, well, that's makes good sense! And that interaction would be extremely valuable. No question!
The kind of course I've heard criticized wants you at the computer at a certain time strictly to "clock in." There is no interaction with other people. You're just required to be on the computer when they tell you to be. It's more like a way to ensure that you're putting in your time than anything else. And as I understand it, it's a M-F deal, not once a week. So it is much more of a restriction, and for no immediately obvious good reason.
