Over the summer I took the six day SANS 525 Project Management and Effective Communications for Security Professionals and this autumn I passed the very challenging certification exam. That made me a GIAC certified project manager, versed in the art and science of managing projects in accordance with the PMBOK. Today I got the hardware to hang on the wall.
A teacher in California sold the space at the bottom of exams to advertisers. I suppose I’m no better using Google Ads on my blog and posting materials for my courses. I have not had a student complain about ads on my blog, yet. I don’t know if I would sell the footer on my handouts and exams to advertisers. I suppose it’s a way to generate revenue to cover educational expenses, but what student is going to want to patronize a company that sponsored an exam; especially if the student tanks the test.
I don’t think students would associate good thoughts about a business if there’s a big red F right next to “This test brought to you by the shady corner coffee house“
The other thing to consider is how many students would read the ad. As soon as they figure out that the footer of each page holds something not associated with the test or their grade I’m guessing that most of them will forget the ad completely.
The sample ad in the article was small and text only but, what about something more visually noisy. I wonder if a student could contest the validity of the exam because of a yellow, red, and green graphic advertising a new video game. That could really hamper concentration on the task at hand for some students.
I think I’ll keep my exams and handouts ad free.
I’ve updated the main site and the forums with festive holiday color and graphics. I wonder if leaving snowmen graphics on your blog past MLK day is a kin to leaving your Christmas lights up all year?
