Academic outsourcing - Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Diary of a University President

As the higher education scene changes ever more, with budget cuts and efficiency drives on the one hand, and increasing numbers on the other, we may start to see new initiatives that will startle at least some people. Here’s one. As reported in the Chronicle of Higher Education, at the University of Houston they have outsourced some of the grading of student papers to a private company with employees spread across the globe (but mainly in Asia). The company, or its staff, mark and grade the papers and provide the feedback (by email or online) to the student. According to the university and the company, this improves the efficiency of the process, the timeliness and detail of the student feedback, and the appropriate use of resources.