There is no wireless connection available on this side of the campus. That's okay in this case for I will be able to see if MS Word actually works on this Gateway. My time spent in Microsoft Office has been decreasing substantially since my time spent in net applications began increasing. That paradigm shift doesn't bold well for the guys in Richmond, does it?
I have corrected all papers, filled in the Excel grading form, and corrected the listening part of the exam. So, now I can type silently while keeping one eye on the group to check for those who need assistance. I still have enough time to write a paragraph to include as tomorrow's blog entry. I've got my camera in my pocket, so I'll also grab a quick shot to create a lasting impression of this event.
At this particular moment, my students are into the third hour of their exam. As I look around the room, I can see they are intensely focused on their tasks. It is simply amazing how much energy can be consumed when working on a written exam. I have been able to produce something that occupies the complete attention of twenty-two students over this extended period of time. I have often thought about how my position as an instructor allows me to grab a commanding mind-slice of the students.
This idea meshes well with a previously-held theory I had. In an attempt to justify the salaries of actors or sports celebrities, I reckoned the substantial amount of money they get is due to the fact they're getting a mind-slice of a majority of the culture. I reasoned that the astronomical pay was related to the sheer number of skulls these people invade when doing 'their thing'. After that, due to the activities of self-serving politicians, I broadened my concept to include power as well as money. The ability to mess-up other people's lives is, perhaps, the truest indication of power.
I may have the near total mind-slice of the group sitting in front of me, but there are a fairly small number of them. (Although I will wish there were fewer when having to correct these exams.) I'd say that although nearly total, I'm only cashing in on the mind-slice of a few. This must be what leads to my less-than-stellar paycheck and lack of tangible power.
