I'm at my seminar today. It's hot, but we have A/C. It's also boring, but I have internet access. I can't decide whether I wish I were at the science seminar, which is all about how to teach inquiry-based science by actually doing the inquiry science and would be totally fascinating but is being held outside, or at my math seminar which is 90% demonstrations about stuff I mostly already know or could learn by reading a quick handout but is being held inside.
Everyone thinks I'm writing notes, which I am --- when something important is said. The problem with most seminars in my experience, however, is that a concept will be introduced and an example will be presented, and then the questions begin. About 3/4 of those questions are either irrelevant or already answered in the initial concept introduction. This leaves 1/4 that are relevant and previously unanswered (wow, there's one of our concepts being put to use right now - we all use math every day! Oh, wait, that's "Numb3rs").
Anyway. . . of that 1/4, about 2/3 could be figured out with just a tiny bit of thought. So then there you sit for all but 1/12 of the seminar with nothing to do but doodle and wish people would pay more attention when speakers are speaking and not waste time with irrelevant questions that make a 2-hour presentation last 8.
Which is why I love my laptop and free wireless internet. I've already finished two assignments, checked my e-mail, read everything new in Google/reader, and shopped for a new camera. I feel all high-tech and modern, blogging from a remote location. I need a Palm Pilot or Blackberry to join the 21st century for real, though. Anyone know where I can get one for free, with a coupon? ;)
1 hour ago
1 comments:
So, what kind of camera were you shopping for? Did you find any super deals I can't pass up? :)
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