What is it that is the essential feature of universities and professors?

33sec Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

It's actually quite true that something like education can be done, i don't know better, but well and cheaper by unlined or remote or some sort of recorded training. The question is, and the two questions that i wrote apiece for the american institute of economic research are: what is it that is the essential feature of universities and professors? I have bad news. It's not classes.

In this c750th (!) episode, Duke University's Michael Munger talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about whether the pandemic might create an opportunity for colleges and universities to experiment and innovate. Munger is Professor of Political Science, Economics and Public Policy at Duke. He believes "top" schools can emerge from the current period of uncertainty to thrive in the long run. The path for "second-tier" institutions could be more difficult. They will still face the challenges that existed before the pandemic: competition from online classes and a shrinking pool of new applicants ready to pay high tuition bills.