Some classes are practically perfect for online instruction. Others, such as online driver's education courses for teenagers, can be challenging. I think online welding courses fall into the second category. A recent article from the ohio state University newspaper discusses the school's online welding course:

"The course is part of a master's program in welding engineering offered entirely online. Lippold said students throughout the country - from Alaska to Florida - are enrolled.

The students do not have any hands-on welding instruction, which can be tricky online. Instead, they learn about different kinds of metals and different welding issues with those metals. They also learn how to identify problems in the welds and how to correct those problems, Lippold said."

While an online student can certainly learn a lot about welding in virtual format, there's a big difference between reading about welding and actually welding. Even multimedia components, such as streaming videos, aren't the same as in-person demonstrations and student participation. Is it possible to virtually teach subjects such as driver's education and welding effectively? I'm not sure.

For more on Ohio State University's online welding class check out: Students Can Learn to Weld in Underwear.