I agree, learning is a social process and the with rise of online social networks, that aspect of 'learning in school' is quickly being transformed. There is now far less need to go to school to engage in the process of social learning.

Similarly, much as you said, even the course is becoming less important. The internet has radically transformed the way people learn. With the internet, peers can teach each other, self-study is increasingly being accepted and respected as a valuable way to learn, and we are learning in small digestible media-rich bits.

All of these factors, have led to a number of up-and-coming web2.0 sites for online education. In the general category you have WizIQ, which is focused on personal development and 1-to-many teaching. In the K-12 category you have Global Scholar which seeks to help kids improve in their studies. And in the niche category, you have www.italki.com, which fosters P2P language learning, by allowing each person to be an expert and a teacher of their native language, whether that be through live voice language exchange or self-created lessons for learning a language.

With improving technology, the continuing expansion of undersea cables (East Africa should have some w/in 2years), higher gasoline prices, and the need to keep one's skills fresh and in demand, I expect the trend in online learning will continue at a furious pace.