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SHOPTALK: Universities Graduating to Dot-Com Profits
A growing number of universities are attempting to enter the
corporate-dominated distance learning market through venture
startups and partnerships with technology companies. The
University of Michigan Business School is the most recent addition
to the group of educational institutions seeking to turn a profit
through online courses, and is working with UK-based FT Knowledge
to develop the technology to offer Web classes in executive
education beginning this fall. Other schools launching online
courses include Columbia University, the London School of
Economics and Political Science, Stanford University, Duke
University, Harvard University, and the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Supporters of online
teaching say it will allow students to engage in a fully
interactive learning experience, save both universities and
students money and time, and eliminate geographic barriers to
receiving an education. Critics of distance learning fear it will
cause universities to sacrifice the quality of their educational
offerings in favor of generating revenue.
(
RedHerring.com, 15 March 2000)
Contact F. David Peat
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