Campbell, in his article, states at the end of the fifth paragraph: “But the mirror lied.”

I think it’s true that the “digital facelift” was not enough, and is still not enough, though some thought needs to be put into exactly what web applications we’re talking about here, and exactly what effect do they have on the learning experience? Web applications like blackboard are helpful in their own right, but they’re designed to some specific tasks. A wiser question to ask would be “What web applications are actually helping students in a meaningful way?” where a “meaningful way” implies that such an application should be directly effecting the learning process, and not just smaller everyday issues such as registering for classes.

A good example of a web site/application that is having a real impact on students would be Khan Academy (I think only last year gained Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funding). Khan built up an awesome resource that’s widely available, and has redefined the conversation when it comes to textbooks and a lot of other fundamental questions when it comes to online-learning.