I understand this is the digital age, but I personally wouldn't put forums and socializing on campus in the same value category.

Both points are valid, but I think we need to accept there are pros and cons, rather than comparing apples and oranges.

On campus socializing is obviously quite different. I was responding to this:

"So it is too bad to me that there is no social aspect of this course and these types of programs. Udacity study group on google+ or whatnot would be neat."