Blended Interactions - necessary?

Along with my reading this week I have some questions to think about. The first is:

"Is there value in student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction in all courses regardless of discipline?"

My immediate response is "yes, of course", but after more thought I'm less sure that it is always necessary and need to justify my response. There are many things I have learned in life through my own endeavours, mostly through reading. But how then do I determine whether or not I trust what I'm reading, where do I go if I need something explained. There are definitely times where I need contact with someone else, be that another student or an instructor. There are times when I need some external motivation and contact with other students or instructors can help.There are also times when I'm able to help out another student, and that too gives me a boost. 

As a student, I appreciate interaction with the "experts", the instructors, as that ensures I'm on the right track. As an instructor, I see that I fit well into the model of Concierge Learning ( a new term for me) - providing soft guidance, some traditional teaching but allowing (and expecting) learners to explore for themselves.

I also appreciate the opportunity to share with other learners as we journey together, yet independently, along a path. Sometimes we rub along together for a while, other times we just cross paths briefly, but each interaction adds something important to the experience.

The challenge now is to consider learner interaction in our not for credit course on wildlife rehabilitation. What's in it for them? What are the benefits of interactive activities? How will those link into the face to face workshops?

More work needed ...