Higher education has undergone a series of changes that have given it a new look. Most of the changes relate to the human development and the continuously improving technology. There are changes made in higher learning institutions considering how it was in the past, what emerged from the changes, and the current state of the institutions.
The article by Thomas regarding the life of a famous scholar David F. Noble sheds light on how he grew from an impoverished background to one of the most renowned scholars during his time. From his obituary, the scholar puts out the issues that mainly affected the universities and other institutions of higher running. Through his critic and informative researches and essays, one is able to learn that use of automated machines (technology adoption) and politics were the leading contentious issues that affected the higher running institutions (Misa 363-365). On the other hand, the article by Rebecca Schuman, “Syllabus Tyrannus” brings out the differences in the method of study that people used in the past in the higher education institutions. One can learn and understand how the curriculum and mode of study were in the past from the author's descriptions (Schuman).
Although the articles provided shed light on various issues improving one’s understanding and knowledge, they elicit different questions. Among the question is, whether Noble was justified in his critics of the various issues. Another of the question that rises from the article is whether the concerned parties politicized and marred with injustices the automation of higher education. Some other questions include the current syllabus helpful to the students? Does the current syllabus suit all the stakeholders? The last question that arises from the essay presented is whether Shai Reshef primary goal is profit making or education for all. (Shai)
According to the aforementioned facts, the essays communicate the message effectively and in a straightforward manner, which the reader would understand. Their in-depth description of issues while providing examples improves one's understanding.
Works Cited
An ultra-low-cost college degree. Dir. Shai Reshef. Perf. Shai Reshef. 2014. TED, 2014. Film.
Misa, Thomas J. "Obituary of David F Noble." Technology and Culture 52.1 (2011): 360-372. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.
Schuman, Rebecca. "College course syllabi: They’re too long, and they’re a symbol of the decline and fall of American higher ed." Slate Magazine. Slate, 26 Aug. 2014. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.
