We’ve noted the growing number of colleges outsourcing their e-mail systems, often to Microsoft or Google. A new U.S. News & World Report article identifies one of the chief reasons to make the move to Gmail or Hotmail: In the eyes of many students, most campus Web-mail clients really stink.
For one thing, in-house e-mail services can barely aspire to the spam-blocking and virus protection that larger operations offer. For another, commercial systems tend to look and feel a bit more polished than their collegiate counterparts.
“If you’re not going to embrace it,” a Northwestern University student says of e-mail outsourcing, “you’ll get left behind.” Is this true? Or are there savvy colleges that seem to be faring well by going it on their own? —Brock Read
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.