Am back with a bang at college...it feels good to be back, especially because the first day started with a training on using the LAN set up in the college. Two gentlemen from the suppliers spoke to us of technical aspects...( some of which blissfully went over my head...all I remember now are - co-axial cables, utv cables, ftp, ping, ip and a few more such heady technical stuff). I am ready to start bombarding departments with A-word-a-day, A thought for the day, interesting tongue twisters, a little grammar ( courtesy - The Hindu) and perhaps, a blog for all. He..he... :} :) . The only problem is that the department of English is yet to get connected to the intranet. Have approached Prof.Chandrasekar about it. By the way, his talk was the most sensible one of the training... he speaks clearly, doesn't beat about the bush and answers in the most unpatronising manner.
Am also preparing a department profile with powerpoint...it really is interesting...how technoogy makes information so much more colourful and attractive than it really is!!!!

I am celebrating my much awaited vacation and the long-felt need for some rest from the hustle and bustle of college work. Am hoping that I dont get calls from college to report to work during this short period. One does not realise that the teacher becomes fatigued and strained after a year of mental and physical work, much like the students. The annual pattern for the first years has left us all drained and exhausted. I feel the semester pattern is easier on the student.

However, I feel some necessary changes are needed in the education pattern of engineering studies. Students must be allowed to take up part-time jobs and go in for real practical training of about six months in some organisation where their technical skills can be honed. A minimum stipend would be encouraging for the student and the industry/organisation does not stand to lose over a small sum paid to these trainee-students. Organisations should know how to tap the potential of these technical students by making them part of some projects or ongoing technical jobs.

Hmmm...wishful thinking?