Free open courseware can meet real business needs and make an impact, without replacing the current degree.

FORBES: Why Online Courseware Can't Replace A 4-Year Degree

Finally, there are startups like Blackboard.com and Kiko (Knowledge In, Knowledge Out) that dabble with both ad-supported free content and for-profit courseware.

CNN: Web puts the home back in homework

Thousands of lifelong learners are already taking to free course materials being offered on the web, course at MIT Open Courseware or Open Yale.

ECONOMIST: The Economist Debate Series: Education