So far, notes from just a few classes at each school are posted on either site. The site, launched in January 1999, already has notes from 270 schools across the country. Mr. Simon said attendance has not dropped this academic quarter and is comparable to the previous times he has taught the course. Jacqueline Elk, a freshman from Pickerington, Ohio, said she has missed class twice and used the online notes to catch up. When she does go to class, she no longer takes notes.
Some professors already post lecture notes online.
Spokesmen for the Web sites have been trying to convince other professors they are not out to undermine them. Mr. Simon pointed out that students have always found ways to get notes. Fraternities often keep extensive files on notes from different classes. It tracks how many people visit a site with class notes. The more hits, the more money the note-taker makes.