The author of this article, Gwyn Morgan, criticizes the professors who teach in universities are irresponsible. Morgan states that “professors show up only occasionally, sending harried, low-paid graduate students to teach so they can concentrate on their personal research.” He also points out that online learning can be a “competitor” for universities.
I do not agree with Morgan’s perceptive. Morgan is over generalizing at this problem. Not all professors in a university are irresponsible. At least at UBC, my professors all are very dedicated to their jobs. They are willing to spend time to work with students individually rather than just focusing on their research.
It is unquestionable that online learning and self learning through textbooks could be competitors for universities. There is definitely a potential market for this new opportunity of learning. Online learning could provide learning chance for people who work full-time or have physical disability. However, universities provide knowledge that could not be learned through books; for example, teamwork, communication, and professors’ personal experience.
The title of this article is “If universities were in business, they’d be out of business.” If universities were in business, then students and staffs might have to pay unreasonable fees, just like the Ryanair has charged to its customers.
Morgan, Gwyn “If universities were in business, they’d be out of business”
Globe and Mail, October 03, 2010
<http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/commentary/gwyn-morgan/if-universities-were-in-business-theyd-be-out-of-business/article1740246/>
Picture from
<http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~ghosh/Pictures/winter03/UBC_snow_lib.JPG>
