"Discovery is Very, Very Important."

Sometimes I feel that no matter what I say or how many times I say it, students can too easily tune me out.  That is why I sometimes assign videos that simply reinforce what I say in class.  Or, just play the videos in class to introduce, supplement or replace lecture on the topic.  In my experience, it is an opportunity to break the monotony of lecture; to have students look up from their laptops (I require that laptops be closed when a video is being shown) and increase the possibility of engagement.

The video below is not particularly interesting or exciting in and of itself, but it accomplishes the desired break in lecture - and the mountains are nice to look at.

Lawsuit Raises Question: "Have College Professors Become Digital Pirates?"

According to an article in the Technologist Blog, a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Atlanta raises this issue. The lawsuit apparently challenges a Fair Use claim by Georgia State University's e-reserves services which allow professors to post portions of textbooks for students to read online.

See related Fair Use post here.

Below are two videos on Fair Use for educators:

Waiting For a Response

I had a teaching mentor who suggested that a teacher should always have a cup of coffee or water or something else to drink in class.  The purpose was to have something to do after posing a question that no student seemed particulary interested in answering.  As the awkward silence drags on, the teacher cooly sipping his drink gives no indication of a willingness to bail the class out by giving the answer. Someone will usually step up.  During those moments, I can't help but have the final jeopardy theme from the TV show running through my head.  I always wondered if it would be useful in class.  Now that I am using clickers again, I may try it to denote the clicker response time.

Have a Problem With Students Texting During Class . . . ?

. . . then kick 'em, out - no refund - Texas style!