This already is in widespread use, not sure how the professor expects this patent to hold up in any way. I had a 4 quarter French language requirement for my major for which I needed to purchase a $125 book, and then a $99 online fee to have access to the homework that was 20% of my grade. The real kicker? My $99 online fee only covers 12 months, 3 quarters is a calendar year without summer school, that fourth quarter requires an extra fee to gain access to the homework materials again.
My physics classes also do something similar through the "masteringphysics.com" website I believe.
This is nothing new, and it's brutal for students. I can usually get through a quarter with 4-6 classes for under $100 in book costs if I buy used, old editions, etc but once a teacher throws one of these online requirements my way the costs of a quarter skyrocket to unreasonable levels.
I am flabbergasted. First, pay your tutition. Then you have to pay for access to all of the basic constituents of that education again?
If a teacher can't get you through a course by his or her own teaching, then they aren't worth it. You're only supposed to need those extra course packs if you're planning on skipping classes.
This is RMS prophecy coming to be and a lesson for me to always listen to crazy talk coming from well-bearded men.
I've had to use the Mastering Physics site. You could purchase access the the site by itself, or get it for 'free' when you bought the required textbook. Mind you, this was no bargain - buying the book was a $280 investment.
And if it's anything like the online book components I remember from college, calling it an "investment" is a stretch. (Because that implies that you're getting some value from it.)
My physics classes also do something similar through the "masteringphysics.com" website I believe.
This is nothing new, and it's brutal for students. I can usually get through a quarter with 4-6 classes for under $100 in book costs if I buy used, old editions, etc but once a teacher throws one of these online requirements my way the costs of a quarter skyrocket to unreasonable levels.