Stop in for a cup of coffee

My son is going to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott AZ. They have modified their classes to a point where they are not actually using the CNC machinery in a class (it's a mechanical engineering degree). Instead, instructor does some work, then the students write about it. He knows he's getting a lesser education but what can you do? We suggested retaking the class at a later time but that didn't work for him for some reason or another. Weird times.
I wouldn’t say lesser, just different. Most advanced degrees that use hands on as a learning tool are just a means to get to the knowledge used to understand and overseeing the operations later.

I would flip the perspective and say he is getting now what most that earn the degree don’t learn until after they are in industry. Education is what you make of it.