The Daily Report Card: Bad College Ads, Computer Learning, Purdue President’s People
In The Classroom Today
Colleges Fight Google Ads That Reroute Prospective Students – Technology – The Chronicle of Higher Education A few weeks ago, when Jeff Harmon searched on Google for North Arkansas College, an ad appeared next to the results that offered information about the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Clicking on the ad took Mr. Harmon to collegesurfing.com, where he filled out a form that promised to send him material about Fort Smith. Mr. Harmon isn’t really a prospective student—he’s Fort Smith’s director of marketing and communications. If the Web site with the form had been truthful, his information would have been sent to his admissions team. (chronicle.com)
Education Week: K-12 Technology, Data Firms Thrive, Study Says While producers of print-based curriculum and instructional materials are struggling, companies that are focused on technology-based instruction and tools for data collection and analysis are thriving in the K-12 market, says a new report by Berkery Noyes, an independent investment bank. An emphasis on accountability and data-driven decision-making in education is part of what’s behind that trend, said Vivek Kamath, a managing director at the New York City-based bank who specializes in the education market. “Schools are realizing that they need to treat their schools like businesses,” he said. “What they’re looking for are enhanced analytics.” (Education Week)
Córdova defends buildup of senior staff | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com When Purdue President France Córdova steps down next summer, she will leave behind an executive staff of her own design. Since 2007, Córdova has hired, promoted or created new positions for nine of the 13 vice presidents who oversee the university. When previous President Martin Jischke left office, he had 11 vice presidents among his top administration. “I’m very happy with all of senior leadership, and they have stepped up admirably to the tasks at hand,” she said. But the new senior positions, their salaries and the overall size of Purdue’s administrative class have caused some to say it’s too much. (Indianapolis Star)