Lecture 3 Blog, ECE400 Spring 2012, Prof. Boutin

Thursday January 26, 2012 (Week 3)

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In the third lecture, we hosted our traditional "Young Alumni Panel". Our panel consisted of three guests who each chose different paths after graduating from Purdue ECE. (Unfortunately, Joe Myer was unable to make it as initially planned.) In case you missed it, here are their full names and affiliations.

• Aaron Todd (Rolls-Royce)
• Ross Howard (Purdue PhD student)
• Ben Brame (President, Allegro Dynamics)

Previous: Lecture 2

Next: Lecture 4

Comments/Questions

Please feel free to share your comments/Questions below.

• As a student and a fellow engineer, I understand that is it important to give respect to the speakers who take time out of their day to come and speak with us. This is why I understand that rules and consequences have been laid down for interruptions such as cell phone usage and chatting. I, however, believe that in turn, the instructors should give us, the students, the same respect we give the speakers of the day. I understand this is usually the case, but at the beginning of lecture 3, a note was written on the board saying "cell phones off". I'm not sure if I was alone in this thought, but I feel that this was very disrespectful to the students considering everyone was already aware of the rules and consequences and the speakers may read this note and feel as though we are a bunch of unruly students who do not want to be there. This only goes to make the speaker feel uncomfortable as well. We all have heard and or read the rules and can quietly be given our punishments if we violate these rules, there is no need to disrespect the rest of us.
  • Your constructive criticism is well taken. The note was meant as a reminder, not as an insult. It is human nature to forget, and your instructor herself is not perfect in that regard. Sorry if you felt offended. Perhaps it would be an acceptable compromise if I made sure that the note was quickly erased before the speakers came in. What do you think? -pm
    • This seems like an acceptable solution, but it does seem difficult to be sure that this is implemented as promised. By this point in the semester, everyone should be aware of the rules and I think at this level in education, students should not need consistent reminders. I believe discrete punishments should be enough to stop the problem if it occurs. Thank you for the quick response to the original post.

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