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In a message dated 8/29/2001 5:26:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
navsys@pinefields.com writes:


> Your argument that the
> course is being taken for personal enrichment (consider what this
> episode says about that goal) and that "being innovative" in seeking
> the answers is, to be blunt, little more than poor rationalization.
>

I must say that I was stunned by your message. What exactly have I done
that's wrong here? I'm taking a course in oceanography and am supposed to
learn about Mercator and great circle charts. I was given a homework
assignment (NOT a test) that involved plotting coordinates on both types of
charts using a parallel ruler, determining the latitude and longitude of
various coordinates, calculating the true directions of various legs, and
analyzing differences between the two charts. I spent hours yesterday doing
just that. I also engaged in extensive research on the Web to learn as much
as I could about these two types of charts and navigation in general. During
my research, I happened upon your mailing list. I decided to join the list so
that I could consult with experts in the field to learn even more. I was not
"using" you to do my homework for me; rather, I was consulting with you to
verify that I was on the right track.

I guess that I could have just gone to the lab at the college and asked the
lab assistants for the answers; after all, that's what most of the students
in the class will do. And will they learn as much as I have about these
charts? Absolutely not. I sought out the answers myself, and I've learned so
much in the process. Mr. Emerson, I did not do the bare minimum to complete
this assignment; I went way beyond the boundaries of this assignment because
I want to learn the material. It's a shame that there are individuals like
you who would try to impede anyone who is trying to learn.

I am also greatly offended that you attacked my character and my ethics. I
have been a college business instructor for over 14 years, and I pride myself
on my abilities in the classroom and on my honesty. Do I teach my students
ethical behavior? Absolutely! I happen to teach business communications, and
we cover ethical issues on a daily basis, including plagiarism, how to
properly cite sources, the importance of avoiding anything misleading when
writing business documents, the importance of honesty in the job search
process, ethics of using e-mail at work, etc.

I also require that my students join mailing lists and newsgroups when
conducting their research because I find great value in these communication
tools. I shudder to think that one of my students would be treated as I have
been on a mailing list.

I do thank those of you on the list who have provided help. You understand
what learning is all about.

Carolyn M. Seefer, MBA
Instructor, Business Division
Diablo Valley College
321 Golf Club Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 685-1230 x306
(925) 687-6384 (fax)
cseefer@dvc.edu
http://www.dvc.edu/aim/carolyn.htm
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
--Gandhi

   

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