Opinions Editor: Kaitlin Goodrich Technique Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. 8 “ —Malcolm Forbes Friday, Opinions ” August 21, 2009 OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion Digital textbooks Enrollment strains resources may be solution that Campus growth in times of crisis harms students While we applaud Tech and the ad- ity and fourth-worst in terms of class- keeps books updated missions office for yet another year of suc- room discussion are easily explained by by Lina Chung Write to us: The Daily Bruin cessful recruitment and what appears to 3000-level classes with 50 to 75 students, [email protected] be a robust freshman class, especially in and even 4000 level classes with over 100 (UWire)—Last month, the California state budget closed a We welcome your letters in light of the increased enrollment figures students enrolled. $24-billion gap, which slashed response to Technique content as for female students, we here at the Tech- These same classes are often billed as well as topics relevant to campus. funding for new textbooks. We will print letters on a timely nique feel that the current rate of student advanced-level discussion classes, discus- The Board of Education won’t and space-available basis. growth is both unsustainable and detri- sion that happens rarely to never, through approve new books for kindergar- Letters should not exceed 400 ten through eighth grade until words and should be submitted by mental to the overall student experience. little fault of the professors or students. at least January 2016, and bud- Tuesday at 7 p.m. in order to be The events of these first few days on Classroom discussion can hardly be ex- get restraints have forced school printed in the following Friday’s districts, such as the Los Angeles issue. Include your full name, campus illustrate a shocking level of un- pected from students idling for an hour or Unified School District, to halt year (1st, 2nd, etc.) and major. preparedness in terms of server space and two in lecture halls after four-years with- orders for new high school text- We reserve the right to edit for books. style and length. Only one sub- online access for the number of newly- out any experience with discussion, and mission per person will be printed While these dark financial per term. incoming and returning students. Both professors should not be expected to force times could equal educational OSCAR and Buzzport were down Friday discussion out of the near-mob of stu- doom for California’s elementary, middle and high schools, it’s an afternoon, making it difficult to impos- dents staring down at them from elevated extremely appropriate time for the California students can be pro- sible for older students to take advantage rows of seats. Board of Education to invest in vided with up-to-par educational of the fifteen-minute-apart time slots, and Of course, the resources are not avail- computer and Internet technolo- materials. gies as a replacement, or supple- If teachers are concerned about multiple departments had difficulty open- able right now to employ more professors, ment, to traditional textbooks. students receiving information on ing up classes to general registration on or offer more classes. In order to keep Earlier this year, Gov. Arnold recent events, such as this year’s time, or even scheduling the appropriate tuition down and chisel away the $900 Schwarzenegger launched an ini- swine flu outbreak or the 2008 tiative to encourage publishers to Presidential Elections, then they number of class spots for their graduat- million deficit, very little can be changed submit free sample digital text- should turn to credible online ing seniors. Later in the week both T- right now. Yet, in spite of all of these books to be available statewide. news sources, which often provide Secretary Glen Thomas an- extremely detailed and compre- square and Zimbra were down, stranding problems, students will continue to enroll nounced that 10 free digital high hensive information. students without syllabi and readings for here. school math and science textbooks Additionally, news sources of- classes or any emails about updates in any Tech is still a prestigious institution were ready to be used in Califor- ten allow students to study differ- nia classrooms. ent viewpoints on a single issue, new classes, clubs or even financial and and a financially sound decision, and School districts complain that which they could not do with registration information. the number of students who enroll after digital textbooks haven’t met even the glossiest and newest text- In terms of facilities, the ever crowd- acceptance has increased over the years. educational standards, and oth- books in the market. ers have found that infrastructure “The majority of what changes ed student center was a sardine can this Admissions should take this into account costs, such as building computer (in new textbooks) is the look of week, and the food court was packed be- when selecting next year’s class and adjust classrooms and teacher training the textbook, the colors used, the expenses, will end up costing the visuals and perhaps some activi- yond usefulness between 11 a.m. and 1 their numbers accordingly. In financially state more money than originally ties they recommend,” said Nader p.m. While having all of the lines open strenuous times, with more students pay- imagined. Twal, a former English teacher during these critical hours did help, the ing for school on their own, that number But the issue of costs associated who now oversees Long Beach’s with digital textbook use is some- small learning communities, to extra tables put in to accommodate ex- is likely to only grow thing the state should currently the Los Angeles Times. tra students makes it impossible to find Expansion is possible, and it is not the overlook in order to reap long- “Personally, I’m fine not adopt- seating once you do navigate your way fault of the incoming class, nor those term benefits. ing textbooks every year, every The state’s top educators criti- five years, unless there is some through the check-out line. that came before them, that campus is so cized the recent budget cuts, huge uprising.” Even more worrisome is the effect that crowded now. Were these boom economic pointing out how traditional- Making the switch from text- format textbooks will be lacking books to digital media will not increased enrollment is having on the times without furloughs, academic excel- essential up-to-date information, only lessen the financial burden educational experience. Many of us still lence fees and hiring freezes, Tech could such as President Obama’s victory on California school districts, but remember our freshman dorm-rooms as most likely expand the number of classes in 2008 and recent developments it will also provide a future advan- in stem cell research. tage for college-bound students. triples, and those record-setting numbers offered, increase the number of servers “We need modern, state-of- As students at UCLA are well are now evident in junior and senior level and expand campus food options. But the-art textbooks, not outdated, aware, most research projects re- classes, where Tech’s prestigious Princ- that is not the current economic climate, antiquated textbooks,” said State quire a student to independently Superintendent of Public Instruc- access online and digital informa- eton Review ranking as the second-worst and the administration, and admissions tion Jack O’Connell to the Los tion archives, such as JSTOR, as a school in terms of professor accessibil- office, must act accordingly. Angeles Times. “It could be close supplement to information found to a generation before we see new in traditional-format textbooks. textbooks.” Thus, UCLA freshmen cours- Despite the initial financial es often provide introduction to The Consensus Opinion reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of the strain of utilizing the Internet as UCLA’s computer classrooms, as Technique, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors. a classroom resource, digital tech- well as step-by-step instruction nologies are a long-term invest- on how to utilize digital archives ment and solution for textbook- and the library’s online article da- Technique Editorial Board dependent school districts. tabases. Emily Chambers, Editor-in-Chief For example, if a student does Perhaps one day the need for Jonathan Saethang, Managing Editor not have reliable access to a com- these freshmen introductory Hahnming Lee, Business Manager puter or Internet, a teacher could courses to digital media will be Jennifer Aldoretta, Entertainment Editor Matt Hoffman, Advertising Manager print out sections from a digital obsolete, allowing precious class Vivian Fan, News Editor Kelvin Kuo, Photography Editor textbook for a fraction of the price time to be spent on bigger proj- Nishant Prasadh, Sports Editor Siwan Liu, Layout Editor of a new textbook. ects. Kate Comstock, Focus Editor Reem Mansoura, Development Editor The problem of digital text- State educators and poli- Kaitlin Goodrich, Opinions Editor Craig Tabita, Online Editor/Editor Emeritus book content is one that can be cy-makers up in Sacramento easily solved: If publishers are giv- shouldn’t focus so much on the en clear guidelines before or dur- loss of paper-based textbooks in ing the digital publishing process, these dark economic times. OPINIONS Technique • August 21, 2009 • 9 Maybe class readings really are to learn Unlike some, I have been “What if instead of dreading about a class that was really B Z looking forward to going back the readings... I actually worth thinking about. U Z to school for weeks. Not even This semester, I am going to Around Campus just for seeing friends who considered them the privilege try my hardest to make every have been away all summer, reading worth my time. How- but for the classes themselves. the syllabus labeled them” ever, I’m sure at some point This summer, I had an of- that I will favor going to bed fice job which I was told would Kaitlin Goodrich before 3 a.m. instead of finish- What are you looking be good preparation for the Opinions Editor ing the workload of the day real world someday. By the before. forward to this year? end of the summer, it was be- At some point, I’ll skim an ginning to feel monotonous. I article instead of giving it the couldn’t wait for new subjects the readings.” Squander it? much in class, right? time it deserves, but if I can and the occasional hour of free I was intrigued, so I read However, the professor had start the semester with every time outside. more of the note. a point: if we are going to be intention of taking advantage I went into my first class The syllabus went on to here at Tech for four (or five of the assignments, maybe only to be unpleasantly re- laud the merits of the authors or six) years, shouldn’t we they will really mean some- minded why I sometimes com- that shaped the society of to- come out enriched by the ex- thing. plain so much about Tech. As day. It spoke of the great op- perience? Shouldn’t we at least If nothing else, hopefully my class filed in the door, we portunity that we as university attempt to make every class it’ll earn me good grades. were handed the course syl- students have to learn about worth our time and tuition? I challenge each of you to labus. It was seventeen pages classic philosophies and the I have already been guilty make the same goal. Not nec- long. thoughts of men and women of sliding through a class or essarily to view every assign- A cursory glance through who helped create the way our two, skimming the readings ment as a chance to learn and Rachel Patrick the syllabus only intensified world operates. before the test and sometimes not just another task to fill up First-year Chem the vague stress that was al- While the readings would Facebooking during lecture your day, but at least to keep ready starting to build for the be esoteric and take a signifi- instead of listening. your mind open to learning. It “Football season.” semester. The required book cant time commitment, they Let’s not even mention the may or may not happen, but list had seven listed titles. That genuinely enrich the lives of times I have slept through an I imagine that it will at least was in addition to eleven re- students who take the time early morning class with no make for a rosier outlook on quired readings online and to absorb their teachings, so remorse. What if instead of life. two videos, not to mention the claimed the syllabus. dreading the readings and Just think of how much less three suggested books and list I had never thought of class putting them off until the last we would have to complain of other recommended selec- readings that way before. Sure, minute, I actually considered about if we actually enjoyed all tions. I had always considered some them the privilege the syllabus the assignments that keep us I had to contain my urge class readings interesting and labeled them? so busy here at Tech. I know a to raise my hand and ask, “Are occasionally really enjoyed a Sure, considering every majority of us will be losing a you joking?” passage or book assigned, but new chance to learn a great significant hobby, but perhaps As I continued flipping for the most part, I considered blessing may be idealistic, but this is for the better. through the syllabus, I came the plethora of readings as- if we can’t be idealistic during So dread your assignments across a footnote about the signed to be a bit of a chore, or college, then when? I know I or treasure them. Ultimately reading list. In bold the warn- yet another bullet on my to-do would hate to look back at the it is your choice. But I choose ing read, “Do not squander list. end of the semester and not optimism. It makes for a much your university education. Do Surely you can learn just as be able to name a single thing more pleasant day. Ayo Balogun Grad EE “Getting back with old friends.”

DearDear , Brett Favre, “Youplease are not even retirehalf the training already camp is over. Look Brett. Can I call you So now you are an out of Brett? I hope so because it is you once were. shape quarterback who also kind of impossible for you to You are probably in the wants all the media attention? answer me. I am sure you are a darling in Brett, I’m writing to you neighborhood of 3/10.” the Vikings locker room. out of concern. Concern for Frankly, you have been your lack of sense in coming Hahnming Lee spoiled, Brett. You watch cry- back. It seems as though you Business Manager babies like swap- are lost and need some guid- ping teams because he was ance. I, an avid sports fan mentioned in trade talks and and someone who has seen Michael Vick come back from a good deal of transcendent for you to come back to the 2003 playoff game!) for three jail time because of dog fight- athletes come back to not-so- NFL. Your glory days have to four years past your prime, ing to play for a team (and pos- spectacular results can provide passed, and you are not the you strung them along every sibly get paid $5.6 million next you with that needed help. I same quarterback you once year until you actually did year) and you think, hey, I am Leah Purdy watched Michael Jordan get were. retire and, of course, cried at a pretty good guy who has outplayed by Larry Hughes. It You are not even half of the your press conference. never watched two dogs bru- First-year EE hurts everyone. quarterback you once were. If they had an Academy tally attack each other while I get why you came back to You are probably in the neigh- Awards for press conferences, betting on the results, I can “Meeting new people.” play…again. Really, I do. You borhood of 3/10. That is about you would be like Meryl Streep play again. want to keep playing because the level of . and Jack Nicholson combined Speaking of the media, this you feel as though your body In a million years, did you into one person. saga is not going to endear you is healthy enough to not only think your quarterbacking Now you sign with the Vi- to any fans. People love the play but succeed and excel. skills would one day be com- kings? Is it just to spite those NFL partly because it is a team You think that you are as pared to Gus Frerotte? It is Packers who loved you for the sport. The fact that you have hungry as those kids straight happening right now. better part of 15 years? Or to monopolized coverage and ba- out of college with nothing to Have you not done enough force Vikings to root for the sically relegated every team to their names and certainly no to two franchises? The Jets very person they hated and de- just a mention in the middle of rings on their fingers. were so destroyed by your spised for that same amount of the hour probably pisses off a You believe that you can presence they had to fire their time? It is probably worse than good contingent of fans. still walk into a stadium head coach after two winning if Tom Brady suddenly signs Do we really need to know and capture the attention of seasons in the last three years, on to the Giants or Jets after what your surgeon is doing or 80,000 screaming fans and move up in the draft to get a Bill Belichick casts him out of not doing and his evaluation of do that little circle celebration stud quarterback prospect and the team. your arm? Do we really need after every you were then forced to release An unfortunate but entire- to tell the media that you may throw with the crowd chant- you after they had erroneously ly realistic possibility I do not or may not play? ing your name. And you know believed you were sticking want to think about too much I doubt Chris Mortenson Matt Rivers you would not be making $25 around. And of course, you for fear that it will actually has reliable sources in Missis- million as a farmer in Missis- cried at the retirement press happen. sippi. Again, I cannot speak Second-year EE sippi. conference. Like a little girl. And of course, the Vi- from experience because my But there is a time for ev- The Packers not only had to kings had to court you for favorite team is the Eagles “Football season.” erything and it is not time for watch you throw away games what seems like forever now. and I have probably watched you to come back. There will (and on behalf of Eagles fans You told them no in July and Photos by Adebola Adedire never be an appropriate time everywhere, thanks for that then suddenly back track once See Favre, page 10 10 • August 21, 2009 • Technique OPINIONS

Favre from page 9 Johnson and Terry Bradshaw and terback and management does not gain a few pounds and be another feel the need for you to come back ot or ot OUR VIEWS H N one of those guys that loses it all I would not be particularly upset. 40924352 hours about Michael by taking some diet supplement. Or if you decide to throw 10 Vick and his redemption story. The possibilities are endless, and and 35 Did you know he cried “many” frankly, better than what you are en route to the statistically worst – or – nights in prison? Well, now you about to do. season in NFL history. Both pos- HOT NOT do. But you are going to play and sibilities are acceptable to me. Brett, just think of all the I do not have the heart to wish Brett, I know you may never things you could be doing if physical injury upon you or to read this, but I just ask one more you were not about to play right hope that you are suddenly strick- thing of you. If the Eagles even- now. You could be the token en by some illness that prevents tually call, just say no. They have over-the-hill quarterback on a you from playing football. That enough trouble at quarterback al- five-man announcing team who would be cruel and unusual and ready without you on there. And if is hesitant to criticize anyone but I am neither. I had to root for you and Michael quick to defend any friends and Of course, if you were to suf- Vick…it hurts just to think about Waffle House Crashing and stalling never make any definitive state- fer a minor injury in one week and that. Late-night dining on cam- Between OSCAR, Buzz- ments. You could even follow Sage Rosenfels comes in and sud- Sincerely, pus will be getting some in- port, T-Square, Zimbra and in the path of greats like Jimmy denly turns into a Pro Bowl quar- A concerned fan tense competition this spring the new ticketing system, the when the No. 1 seller of T- class of 2013 got a quick in- EDITORIAL CARTOON By Craig Tabita bone steaks joins Tech Square, troduction into the horrors replacing American Apparel. of Tech online portals. Reg- The outdoor seating, take- istration, football, syllabi and out menu and Wi-Fi lounge even email were down at some should give this WaHo an point between last Friday and edge up on its late-night com- Wednesday, fulfilling early-on petition, and the endless cups the joke and prophecy that we of coffee should give all-night are the “technical school with studiers a similar edge. bad technology.”

Campanile Student fee figures Those students lucky Like most people, Tech enough to get a seat on the students respond only so well Campanile between jam- to threats, which most likely packed classes and the small explains the rosy welcome to sorority take-over might have the news that the “temporary” noticed that the Campanile “academic excellence” fee with fountain has been refilled. The zero oversight an zero limita- fountain even erupts every few tions may be increased to $250 minutes in an arch-like warn- per semester in the spring. On ing to students who would the upside, now we all know dare wander into the water or exactly what we will get to do towards the shaft itself. with any Christmas presents.

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