It is called VBrick because the system is brick-sized and sits in the classroom. The remote student has a password to view it over the Internet on demand.
             Athletes may travel to games, and sometimes spend the better part of three weeks on the road. With the VBrick, they can view their classes on the bus, from airports and in their hotel rooms. The system, however, costs between $50,000 and $1 million, depending on how extensively the University uses it.
             While Universities, stunned into paying more attention to what student athletes are actually learning by recent grading scandals, seek ways to improve graduation rates among student athletes, to crack down on non-attendance and enforce more stringent academic standards, they have also been pressured into allowing student athletes to travel more and take more time away from classes. In spite of this, improved graduation rates among student-athletes, higher even than the general student population, is seen as one of the greatest successes in college sports at Indiana University. (Marot 7)
             "I remember many times when youngsters would come to me saying 'I'd like to take this class but I can't because it's offered at the same time we practice or it's on an evening when we play a lot of games,"' Jarvis said. "That handicaps a kid." (Ibid.)
             The NCAA must approve the program before it can be used nationwide. The problem with the VBrick is that the technology is not generally available to other students, and therefore is prohibited by NCAA rules to be given to student-athletes. Erik Christianson, of the NCAA, said they will not comment on the proposal until it is made public this week. They need more information about the product and its uses. Spokesmen for the VBrick product said it is legal under NCAA rules as long as a school offers it to all students.
             Two-thirds of colleges offering "face-to-face" courses also offer course...