The term mill is tossed about so freely among academics, I thought it would be interesting to see how the word is technically defined. According to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (10th ed), the term "mill" has several definitions--a few being relevant to DL: 1. "A machine that manufactures by continuous repetition." Ahh, could this be referring to a degree mill? Printing out diplomas like a printing press? 2. "A difficult and often EDUCATIONAL experience." Wow, are the degree programs offered by degree mills difficult and educational? 3. "A money of account equal to 1/10 of a cent." Now how could money be involved in a degree mill? The result is that one has an educational experience, printed routinely and methodically, for a specific amount of money. Russell
The difference between a degree mill and non-degree mill is the in-between process involved, which can be summarized as follows: 1. By attending a traditional college 2. By paying your way to obtin a degree 3. By getting someone to sit for your exam in a traditional college 4. By getting someone send you the questions and another prepare the answer for you 5. By getting someone to do your written project etc 6. By purchasing the degree through on-line 7. By having a good relationship with the person who mark your paper The list can go on. Traditonal or degree mill, they all do the same processes - print certificates for "qualified" candidates. The word "qualified" differently by different people.
