In the News.....

So I generally follow the Chronicle (or shall I say, I pick and choose my way through the Chronicle) but since my seminar course involves discussion about current events, I'm also trying to stay on top of Inside Higher Ed, as well as keeping my eyes open for higher ed news in general. I'm just going to point out a few stories that really jumped out at me.

First, I know this isn't higher ed news, but I think it's important. It's Obama's address to America's children. Read the full speech here and look at the recommended classroom activities for K-6 here and for 7-12 here. Can someone tell me where the communist, socialist message is? Hrm. Maybe you have to listen to it backwards. If anything is offensive about this speech it's the last sentence, "Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America." (Though I doubt conservatives will complain about that...) In any case, it's an inspirational speech. As I've said since before Obama was elected, it will be interesting to see if having an African-American president can influence the young African-American children of today. Maybe more will go to school and stay in school and will be able to look to Obama as an example of what they can become. 

On to disgusting news. Personally, I find this appalling. Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab has great commentary about it here. I completely agree with her sentiments. As if Abercrombie & Fitch weren't bad enough......

In my intro to higher education class, we're talking about the marketing of higher education and how, essentially, you can buy an education and get a degree without having to sit in a classroom (i.e. University of Phoenix). There is so much online learning going on - hybrid classes, online classes that are part of community colleges, distance learning at universities...so many options. This is just another example of that - go as far as you can for $99 a month.

This article makes me think of the problem that is bigger than gossip sites like "Juicy Campus" and others that are springing up everywhere. The bigger problem is as technology continues to grow and expand to college campuses, how do you punish cyber crime? What can a campus do? What is the responsibility of the university? I don't think the government has a good idea how to handle cyber crime...this will definitely become a bigger issue in the future.

Finally, a feel good story! :) Check it out!