Notes in the Margins: E-books, law schools and NCAA weakness
Critics of Texas higher ed changes warn of fallout should Florida embrace Perry model Gov. Rick Scott hasn’t been specific about his plans to overhaul the state’s higher education system, but he has made clear his intention to make some changes — and higher education reforms in Texas will be a likely template. (The Florida Independent)
College Plagiarism Reaches All-Time High Cyber-plagiarism is at an all time high among college students, according to a survey of college presidents from the Pew Research Center. It appears college students are finding it more tempting than ever to cheat from the web. A majority of college presidents (55%) said that plagiarism in students' papers has increased over the past ten years. Among those who have seen an increase in plagiarism, 89% said computers and the internet have played a major role. (The Huffington Post)
Accountability on the Quad: The National Collegiate Athletic Association is supposed to hold colleges and universities accountable, but it has been reluctant to police with any stringency the growing number of violations. The assumption that the N.C.A.A. can develop safeguards and mete out punishment for those who violate its rules is wishful thinking. The N.C.A.A. is simply not up to the task; college trustees need to take charge instead. (The New York Times via NAICU)
More and more, college students go buy the e-books For college students returning to campus, hitting the books may no longer require sturdy backpacks and strong arms. Campus bookstores have increased the number of digital textbooks this school year, as students weaned on Facebook and iPads seek virtual alternatives to heavy tomes. Digital textbooks are projected to account for 10 to 15 percent of course materials sold by the fall of 2012, compared to just three percent last year. (The Boston Globe)
Law schools lure fewer students as jobs dry up The sobering statistics have prompted plenty of soul-searching in the legal academy, with calls for schools to provide more accurate job-placement data as well as efforts by some law schools to admit fewer students to avoid dumping a glut of newly minted J.D.s onto an unforgiving job market. (Associated Press via NAICU)
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