The Unvarnished College Tour
An enterprising startup is offering unique "uncensored" video (DVD) tours of major university campuses and dorms. The U is an online store where prospective students can buy DVDs (here), allegedly without the spin of the institution's marketing operators, and hosted by stars from WB television shows.
A free sample of the tour for Miami of Ohio was a lesson in the MTVification of popular culture. The two-minute preview focused on campus "style" (very preppy) and culture (there's nothing to do except study and party). Kinetic camerawork and age-appropriate graphics keep you engaged, if seasick, and while there wasn't anything in the preview about major courses of study or ongoing research at the university, we do learn that there are a disproportionate number of prep hotties and the greek system knows how to throw down.
This may not be the Kiplinger report on colleges, but it's not meant to be. It's supposed to be a fun, informal "taste" of life at a particular school, more of a way for prospects to dip a toe in the dorm life than to choose an academic launchpad.
Cool, huh?
How will it shake out? Comment this blog, and let's see where the conversation leads.
For great news, views, and resources for educators, check out The Balance Sheet published by South-Western, a Thomson company. Trusted news for educators for several decades, several miles ahead.
A free sample of the tour for Miami of Ohio was a lesson in the MTVification of popular culture. The two-minute preview focused on campus "style" (very preppy) and culture (there's nothing to do except study and party). Kinetic camerawork and age-appropriate graphics keep you engaged, if seasick, and while there wasn't anything in the preview about major courses of study or ongoing research at the university, we do learn that there are a disproportionate number of prep hotties and the greek system knows how to throw down.
This may not be the Kiplinger report on colleges, but it's not meant to be. It's supposed to be a fun, informal "taste" of life at a particular school, more of a way for prospects to dip a toe in the dorm life than to choose an academic launchpad.
Cool, huh?
How will it shake out? Comment this blog, and let's see where the conversation leads.
For great news, views, and resources for educators, check out The Balance Sheet published by South-Western, a Thomson company. Trusted news for educators for several decades, several miles ahead.
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