First-let me agree w/ Kari and Carolyn and say that I too need a hard copy to get the most out of what I'm reading.

Secondly, while I do understand the argument behind online/disc use w/ what would normally be printed for the students cutting costs, and hey, maybe even saving a tree or two while we're at it, I have to say this irritates me to know end. Because I have to wonder, is my tuition REALLY 20 grand because the University prints out my class's syllabi, and if it is-and I start paying to print it out-will I see that six dollar deduction in my tuition?

I am fully aware that it is extremely expensive to run a University, but I think there are other methods to cutting cost that don't simply displace the cost on to the students.

I think professors opting for electronic syllabi rather than paper is a tiny step toward "saving paper" or cutting costs. It seems any given university has hundreds of budget categories; paper is the one they're choosing to focus on? It seems a little pointless, because if the teachers don't use paper, then students will. However, many people prefer electronics over old fashioned paper, so I guess it's really your personal opinion. Teachers always say, "Even if you email papers to me on the due dute, I still need you to get me that hard copy." Hard copies are easier to read, you can mark them, you can take notes, and your eyes don't become tired as they do when you stare at a computer screen. Anyway, I think there are pros and cons to both options, and students/teachers are still discovering what they are. -kari

I took an online course last semester and found the only way I could read, learn and remember the material is if I printed it out. I imagine if we had to read all of our course material on a website, the same thing would be most prevalent. We tend to refer to the text as we discuss things in class.
It is challenging to read and comment on an article when it literally disappears with the click of a mouse in order to have the comment page come up. Also, it is difficult to write comments within these little boxes - I am used to having a page to review, not a little box to scroll through. I do love the web log and see no reason not to use the web for syllabi or other course materials. A question for you, Paul - how would it be if you read all of our papers online? Would our grades be different? Would you look differently at them if they were in electronic form?

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