Wednesday, July 11, 2007

This just in: Class counts

At least, actually attending class counts. Again, the research demonstrates that student self-motivation [read: personal responsibility] acts as the fundamental component for a successful education.

Duh.

Look, I'll admit to skipping my fair share of classes as an undergraduate. Usually, however, I skipped out on the huge lecture classes and, quite rightly, ended up with a "B" instead of the "A" that I could have earned. I, however, will never, ever complain that the prof. was unfair or biased. I take full credit for any and all mediocre grades that I earned. I wasn't dumb - just, shall we say, lackadaisical.

All of this techie-stuff we've added to teaching, e.g. WebCT, online courses, podcasting, class chat rooms, blogging requirements, and even student shared folders, are only supplemental. And, in some cases, detrimental, insomuch that students get wrapped up in the techno-frustration of reams of new programs, professor-specific methodologies & processes, and the sometimes questionable sincerity engendered in a system, although becoming less-so, that requires additional levels (and angles) of cognition.

Thanks for reading today's blip. Happy Wednesday!

1 comment:

The Greatness said...

Hear, hear! Too much class time is wasted on meta-education in how to use some doohickey that will allegedly be important to your employer, instead of, say, vector calculus. Most of these "tools" will be obsolete by the time a student graduates. I can assure anyone still in school that if your abilities in vector calculus matter to the job, the employer will consider those abilities above all and will overlook any deficiencies in your knowledge of podcasting. (If they cared in the first place.)