Issue 15, Spring 1998

William A. McEachern, Editor

High-Tech Etiquette

I used to be annoyed on those few occasions when I would show up for class only to find the blackboard filled with writing from the previous lecturer. I have now encountered a new source of aggravation. When I showed up for the first class in a large hi-tech hall, my 300 students were sitting in the dark-the lights were off, the shades drawn, and a huge screen at the front of the room was filled with a computer projection. Before I could even introduce myself to this new class, I had to turn on the lights, open the shades, raise the screen, exit Windows, and turn off the computer. Don't get me wrong, I believe the thoughtful use of multimedia in the classroom can enhance learning; but shouldn't there be some kind of high-tech etiquette about leaving a classroom in usable shape?

I also encountered another annoyance in the same classroom. Class was scheduled to end 10 minutes before the hour. At exactly 10 minutes before the hour, as I was winding up the class, an instructor who apparently would be using the room next entered the hall and announced that I needed to stop because he needed the time to set up for his class. I was stunned. After class, I asked him not to do that again. He couldn't understand my irritation (he teaches Criminology). Even though I always finish on time, he still hovers outside the doorway until my class is over.

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