Teaching is a unique degree in that one benefits much more from interacting and discussing the materials than other degrees. You learn more from discussing issues with your peers sometimes than you do from listening to a lecture or reading a textbook.
Also, remember that the teaching is a profession that requires high-level interaction with students. Being comfortable with discussing education is part of that. By regularly participating in tutorial / seminar discussions, one gains the skills that will make one an effective teacher
etc..as LA88 said, nursing is a unique program in that it's not about regurgitating anatomy, it's about apply the facts, and justifying them as if you're a clinician (problem solving) as well as considering other factor like the 'patient history', 'psychological issues', etc.
you won't be able to pick these up from just doing distance ed.
wankers