Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Wednesday Web Browser: Ethics Edition

As has been widely reported, Ruth Padel, recently elected Professor of Poetry at Oxford University, has resigned the post before formally assuming it. As the Literary Saloon summarizes, "Apparently she was a bit more active in stirring things up against Derek Walcott -- who took himself out of the running -- than she had originally let on." As usual, the same site provides helpful links for those seeking more info.
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New York Times Public Editor Clark Hoyt reports: "It has been a busy week or two for the ethics police — those within The Times trying to protect the paper’s integrity, and those outside, ready to pounce on transgressions by Times journalists."
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Since this blog attracts a number of teachers (and students) of writing, I'm curious to know what you all think of online instructors purposely creating false profiles, what The Chronicle of Higher Education calls "'ghost students' that academics...have injected into online courses to kick-start discussions among students, keep them from dropping out, and spy on their communications."

4 comments:

Felicity said...

As an online English major, I don't like the idea of the "ghost student" at all. A good online teacher knows how to connect with her students without becoming one of them. Also, this tactic assumes students are incapable of creating a viable online community without help. In my opinion, the general acceptance of this tool would threaten the quality and reputation of online education.

Anonymous said...

The Padel incident is tragic, reading like an Inspector Morse mystery, which was always set in Oxford.

On a brighter note, Alice Munro won the Booker prize -- well-deserved.

Erika D. said...

Felicity, I definitely hear you.

And LCS249--yes, isn't it wonderful about Alice Munro? Definitely a brighter note.

Anonymous said...

Felicity what school do you attend?