Salvador Said:

Does anyone else think is becoming harder to be a student these days?

We Answered:

I am actually not sure if the answer is yes or no. Actually it is both. I think there are so many problems with higher education in general that it has become monumental and where do you start dealing with all the problems.

You brought up one very strong argument which is the increasing cost of higher education. Yes, it has gone out the roof, yet very little of your tuition is actually being used for student related expenditures. For example at the college I work at, Technology Fees for new computers and software are being shifted into the general fund to pay for older, outstanding bill rather than updating equipment and programs. This problem is not unique to my college. In some form or another, college are facing huge financial problems and many of the smaller colleges are facing bankruptcy and closure.

Add to this problem that more and more students are attending college than ever before. When I was in college in the 1970, not everyone went to college. And there were systems in place to fail out a certain percentage of students each year who were either not ready for college or who were not serious about being there. Today, we are taking everyone who can pay tuition which is putting a stress on human and physical resources. Because of growth, more building are being built which means more mortgages and more demands on trustees and board member to find money. And that cycle just continues to go back and forth until they are over extended financially.

As a college professor, I can turn the question around to give you a different answer. Personally, I do know that it is increasingly difficult to teach your generation. I have to commend your friends because from what I am reading in your question, they actually are trying very hard. For those students who are trying very hard, it is very difficult for them. That is true. But so many students do not buy books, they don't read, they only want to play video games and text message and spend time on facebook and myspace. Socially they are disasters, more like hermits living in their rooms complaining about how they are not being entertained. This is the generation where if it is not fun, why do it. They can work in groups somehow, yet when placed in groups, they are lemmings with few able to lead the group. My experiences with Gen Y students is that many are not in college to learn but to get the grade by ANY means, including cheating and plagiarisms. I actually failed a quarter of my students in one class for plagiarizing papers. Students understand that in order to get the right job in a shrinking job market, they need to get the right grade.

In your defense, Gen Y is technologically superior to many of their professor. The tenure system which has been outmoded for years, still allows a professor to rest on his laurels and not continue to grow academically. I know older professor who don't even know how to read their emails, still. That is inexcusable. Add to this problem that even those that are technologically advances are not doing everything that they can to reach student through technology. In a recent presentation at my school, I asked a small number of students who attended how many had actually text messaged anyone during class. All but a couple students raised their hands. When I asked the professors in attendance, now many used text messaging in any form in their curriculum, most looked at me like I was crazy. At a conference I attended where a professor at a state college was talking about his college using blogging. When I asked about Myspace as a better alternative, you would have thought I had called on Satan himself. Please!

In an editorial in USA Today, which I read a while back, (sorry I do not have the link for it) where these same issues were being addressed when the Democrats took over Congress, the columnist stated that both the high cost of education and a system of education that is outdated as the major problems facing. Add to this an overextended system and I think you have the problems that students are facing that are making it harder for them.

I have to correct something in your question, with due respect. You stated that your friend "even go so far as to attempt to petition the dean of the computer science division to use open source software, but sadly it would cut funding and the college would have to lay off teachers and facility." Either your friend made a mistake or you misunderstood him, or the dean is giving him a lot a manure. Most open source software is license free and many college are using open source software as an alternative to more pricey name brand software. Open Source software is license free to allow for other programmers to improve the software and adapt it to their needs. Just to clarify things for you.

Hector Said:

DISCUSSION: Does pirating software in any of these scenarios actually deprive people of revenue?

We Answered:

whoever created it has the right to make money off of it.

if you get it without recompense, your a thief.

Lois Said:

Where can i get online discounts for being a student?

We Answered:

Dear ,

I think it may help you in your situation  
http://snipurl.com/umy2a

Best Regards,

Carol Said:

where can i get a macbook at student price?

We Answered:

go on the apple offical site
and if you buy a macbook for collage you get a free ipod touch!

Jeremy Said:

Can I use the Mac Student Discount with another discount?

We Answered:

Why don't you just ask apple. It's either yes or No. I'm betting no. But it's does not hurt to ask.