The articles states, "A genuine online course would be nothing but the software and would handle all the grading, too. No living, breathing instructor would be needed for oversight." But, never fear, the opposite side is presented too.
I've been looking for ways that my Writing Center can offer synchronous online tutoring. Etherpad is a free, open source tool that I looked at, and Pirate Pad is one free site that uses it. It's neat and easy to use. Open a Pirate Pad, give the person a link, and you're off!