Friday, March 09, 2007

What your students are typing in class

Ever wondered what those students with laptops are actually typing in your classes? You know, the earnest looking ones who are typing away as if there's no tomorrow? Here's the answer, from today's Duke Chronicle:

Why are we here?
By: Stacy Chudwin
Believe it or not, I'm actually typing this column while sitting in the back of one of my classes. I won't tell you which class, because that could threaten my participation grade, which I sorely need. This will be our little secret.

Right now I am sketchily hunched over my laptop, peering around to make sure my fellow classmates don't realize what's going on. I fear that they, along with the professor, will discover that I am not actually a digital hipster student of the 21st century taking notes on the computer, but rather someone who just doesn't want to pay attention during her last lecture class before Spring Break.

As I defensively glance around the room, I realize that I am not alone in pulling off this brilliant ruse . . .
Actually, I am happy to say that this was not one of my classes, but if Stacy should wish to enroll for a New Testament class next semester, she would be welcome. I rather admire the the ingenuity. Better than sleeping in class, or staring out of the window.

1 comment:

Bill Victor said...

I agree Mark. The only thing that really bugs me is when students put their heads down and sleep in class without even pretending to pay attention. What I think is funny is that even the ones who pretend to pay attention or do other homework think they are getting away with it.