Wotcher the Internet

[shermarama]

I'm abusing the computers in the London Business School. Actually, I'm probably not; given the amount of money that people pay for courses round here and the self-important nature of some of the students, the power dynamic is very different to a normal place of education, and I doubt they have any sort of policy on what you can and can't do with the computers. It's curious. When students arrive late here it seems to be the lecturer's place to not notice them, beyond taking care to make sure that none of the lecture is lost in the associated noise. When people ask questions, including ones that even I can see are stupid questions and ones they'd easily be able to answer if they'd read the chapter we were given to read beforehand, the lecturer tells them it's an interesting question and sets about answering it in a way that enlightens without throwing the essential stupidity into sharp relief. Also, the lecture theatre has separate (sleek, modern, rolly-wheel and reclinable) office chairs in each place instead of benches; there are three restaurants and I can't really afford any of them and I don't think I could count the number of coffee bars, coffee vennding machines, and people drinking expensive-looking coffees several times a day. I have tried to make myself look a bit more presentable and in-keeping, but let's face it, the sides of my head are shaved and while this jacket looks quite natty, I know it came from a skip. Still, the course itself is being somewhat interesting. You'd be amazed what the Spanish are getting up to with natural gas.

Comments

[carsmilesteve.livejournal.com]

while this jacket looks quite natty, I know it came from a skip.

well done, i think you have won the internet today!

[bengraham.livejournal.com]

You'd be amazed what the Spanish are getting up to with natural gas.

Eating a lot of spicy bean paella and thus increasing their national production output?

[khalinche.livejournal.com]

while this jacket looks quite natty, I know it came from a skip

Yes, but they don't, that's the point.

One of the major things that I noticed about Goldsmiths when I was first there was how normal it is to wander into lectures spectacularly late and have no-one raise an eyebrow. The only time I've seen someone object it was Paul Gilroy - he does a nice line in severe elder statesman academic capital-F Frowns.

[blue-mai.livejournal.com]

i went to a course held at the Royal Society of Medecine t'other day. that was wierd. architecture is a rather scruffy profession in comparison.
showing up late is quite the norm at my tatty-not-natty uni, which is really quite annoying. you have a point about the power dynamic shift caused by the consumer/paying customer, no longer just a student thing, but that can now be applied to all unis. i think it really is a fundamental shift in how universities function and it's eroding the culture of academia, opportunity, study/stimulation and self-advancement that really ought to form the foundation of our higher ed. i'm sure that could be better said by someone other than me...
also also another knock-on effect is this bloody cafe thing - leaving uni the other day i walked past a stand about some sort of green car service, some sort of chauffeur car-share i wouldn't be surprised. lots of cafes, don't worry about the facilities. we had a student last year who didn't want to come on the study trip (to where the year's project site was) cos they couldn't afford it. we offered to assist, perhaps cover some of the cost of travel/hotel until funds came through, after all it was an important trip. turns out that 'can't afford' meant 'won't be able to go without going shopping and fine dining at every opportunity'. yer what?!
i sound like a right... can you tell the new school year's about to start...?actually i'm having quite a jolly day today, although i'm avoiding writing a section for a partnering bid...

[kyte.livejournal.com]

I used to work for the London Business School - it's a very strange place!