Class 56: Discussion of Exam 3

Held Friday, May 12, 2000

Overview

Today we conclude the class by considering exam 3.

Notes

• I won't be able to return exam 3 until Monday. Sorry.
  • No grades lower than 80.
• Don't forget to wish your mother a happy mother's day.
• The final is now available.

Contents

• Some Final Statements

Summary

• Some definitions: Computing, Electronic Computing, Binary vs. Analog, Networking, Computer Science
• A timeline
• The impact of computing
• Other implications
• Due:
  • Course development questionaire

Some Final Statements

• My mother taught Psychology at Boston University for over thirty years. (``Aha, maybe that explains SamR's warped personality''.) Eventually, she found a way that she liked to end her class, typically with a series of statements. I try to do the same, although the statements are filtered through my sensibilities.

  Most of us will take or teach other classes. However, this one is unique; none will ever be quite like this it for a number of reasons. The people in the class made it what it was. We should acknoledge each other's contributions and commit ourselves to making similar contributions in future classes. In paritcular, I thank all of you for your contributions.

• Mom also makes a statement on the order of

  While I enjoyed having you in my class, I'm also happy to have you move on to other things. Like any parent or mentor, I've enjoyed seeing you grow, but also want you to test your own wings.

• Finally, Mom tells a story of an elementary school teacher she had worked with who was leaving her job. Mom stopped by to give the teacher a goodbye present. The teacher cried. Mom said ``I expect that you've been crying all day as you said goodbye to your students'' The teacher said ``No, I forgot to say goodbye; that's why I'm crying''. Since then mom has always made it a point to say goodbye to her classes. I encourage you to say goodbye to your friends and colleagues who you may not see again.
• I hope to see those of you who are not graduating in other courses.