Introduction
Note taking is an activity, which different students view differently. Notably, there are those students who think that writing notes for oneself in a class is better than relying on notes written by others. Still, other students consider it more convenient to use notes written by others on their behalf. Understanding these differences requires a clear interview of students in the two distinct categories. The topic is about determining whether professional note-takers should be allowed to sit in a course and then sell the notes taken to class members. Essentially, different people will ague against allowing note-takers to sit in a class and take notes while other will argue for this practice. Whichever argument one make, it depends on their views and reasons, which they deem appropriate in this regard. In this paper, we will discuss the pros and cons of allowing professional note-takers to sit in a class, take notes, and then sell the notes to class members. The arguments made will give the reader an opportunity to make decision with regard to whether this move is appropriate or inappropriate.
First, it is appropriate to allow professional note-takers to sit in a class and take notes. Essentially, allowing them to sit and take notes has more advantages than disadvantages. Students do not have similar talents and abilities. As such, this will be significant in helping the students who are poor in note taking to have notes for revision. Therefore, letting professional note takers do such an activity would be beneficial in many ways. However, some people argue that allowing professional note-takers to sit in a class and take notes is indeed not a good idea. They give the reason that this brings about the tendency of encouraging laziness in students, as they know that they have a ready source where to get the notes. This has some effect on the lecturers, as they will do a job that is beyond their duties. Dictating notes to people other than the students may bring negative consequences regarding credibility of the notes given when the professional note-takers begin to criticize. Note taking is an issue that should be left to students and not professionals since this benefit the students greatly. It is difficult to determine the authenticity of online notes. For instance, incompetent persons may venture into the business and offer substandard notes to students. This may affect their learning negatively. This is an issue that requires appropriate concern.
Secondly, it is important to prevent the students and other persons from using copyrighted notes for business gains. This is necessary in order to ensure that there is due protection of authors of books and other reading materials that command greater importance as sources of information for educational purposes. For instance, if a student uses notes obtained from class and given by a professor, then this clearly indicates that the lecturer labored in making the notes and should be given necessary recognition in this regard in order to appreciate the noble work that he did through making the notes. Arguably, it is also clear that placing restriction on notes selling has no constitutional basis. Handwritten notes belong to the note takers and he or she can do whatever they please with the notes. For instance, they can share with friend in the same or different school. Still, the note-taker can decide to sell the notes. Whether online or otherwise it all involves selling. Therefore, it is insignificant to place restrictions on note selling. For example, students may strike an agreement amongst themselves with regard to how they shall obtain their notes. They should not be restricted from pursing their plans. The issue of note taking should not be magnified so much so that it brings about instability in society. Students have the liberty to use their hand written notes as they please.
Finally, not all people are happy with the note taking business. University administrators and textbook publishers are affected by this move. Administrators have their responsibilities demeaned by these endeavors. Textbook publisher are losing their market share to the note-sellers. Note selling violates copyright laws and should not be allowed. Not all people are finding the issue of note selling appropriate as it may have certain negative impacts on their roles. However, other groups argue that note taking business is business like any other. As long as the notes are not plagiarized, then there should be not restriction regarding doing business between willing note sellers and willing note buyers. Additionally, note-selling business is an entrepreneurial idea that should be accepted in society just like other entrepreneurial ideas. Notes are important for they help students in achieving their educational goals. There should be no restrictions with regard to where to obtain notes. If a student trusts the source of notes, then there is no wrong obtaining the notes from the source.
Conclusion
Professional note takers should be allowed to take notes and sell them to class members as this helps different class members in different ways. However, it is necessary to control this if it does not have positive consequences. Preventing the students from carrying out this task is significant since not all people are happy with task. Appropriate measure should be taken in order to address this issue to suit all the persons involved as appropriate. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with allowing professional note takers to sit in class and take note as long as they are in due compliance with the professors requirements and the institutional policies.
Work cited
Surgent, Justin. Students sell, purchase class notes online. 2012.
Perez, Erica. Colleges crack down on selling, sharing notes. 2012.
Rivera, Carla. Entrepreneur gets a stern lecture from cal state. 2010.
More students paying for class notes. 2010.
