What is an "online" course?

Could we agree that an online course is one that is delivered online? Recently, Idaho Senators faced a dilemma about how to "legally" define an online course. The original provision defined an online course as one in which the instructor cannot be physically located in the same school in which the student is receiving instruction (Associated Press, 1/30/12). While this definition was voted down 33-0, it does raise a broader issue about distance education. Should it require a physical distance between a teacher and student? If so, how much? An arm's length? Out of their line of sight? Different buildings? Quite the slippery slope. The House agreed with the Senate and declared that it will delete the definition that the Senate voted down.