Since I posted an item about StraighterLine I've been hearing about poor reviews and even suggestions that the service is a scam. I can't comment, as I haven't looked at StraighterLine in enough detail. But a lot of the negative publicity is of the 'wrong in principle' variety. Josh Boldt, for example, writes, "Despite the spin StraighterLine is attempting to place on Professor Direct, this program has nothing to do with empowering the teacher and everything to do with applying free market principles to higher education." This, he argues, pushes down the price, and consequently, instructor wages as well. Perhaps - but this to me points to the need for public support for open education. There's no reason why freelance professors have to be paid directly by tuition. They can be paid well, with a mandate to support open learning.
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