On Sat, 6 Apr 2002, Jon Masters wrote:
> On 5 Apr 2002, Matthew Walton wrote:
<snip extremely long, non-Linux related and in fact not really LUG related
thread>
With the risk of sounding hypocritical about this because of what I just
put in the snip line above, I'd like to chip in a small number of
comments.
I used to work in Computing Services at Loughborough Uni. They too have a
seemingly ridiculous number of rules and regulations with respect to labs,
teaching styles, software etc.
*None* of those rules are made by that department. I don't know about the
two venerable institutions in Nottingham, I would imagine they are the
same; the teaching department for computing or programming is entirely
separate to the support services who almost always have very little say in
The Way It Is.
The stuff being taught is usually decided on (IIRC) at full departmental
meetings and is often picked because (in my experience) that's the way
it's always been done. The rules regarding labs are usually made by people
who have absolutely nothing to do with them on a daily basis but sit on
some archaic committee and, in general terms, don't listen to the people
at the sharp end very often. They certainly don't listen to students,
unless it suits them.
If you've got policy points to make, I suggest you join whatever body has
a voice in your department - political correctness being rife in most
universities, they have to give students a say at all levels these days.
That can be extremely useful, IMO, as I've sat on both sides of that fence
:)
I can vouch for the fact that bandying things around on mailing lists, or
over a few pints, can be extremely cathartic. It does, however, get you
precisely nowhere. Go talk to someone who can make a difference.
And please, please, can we get back on-topic?
Ta
Graeme
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