Disillusionment with Usenix tutorial

[Mike Tilson]

Don Libes (nbs-amrf!libes) writes about the "Advanced C" Usenix tutorial:

> I didn't fill out an evaluation form at the end of the class because I
> didn't stay till the end.  I walked out at the first break.

Several people have suggested that tutorial evaluation forms be handed
out at the start, along with the other materials, to allow anyone who
leaves early to still evaluate the course.  This will be done in the future.

> ... [the instructor] also said
> that this was not his choice of material, but that the course syllabus
> was given to him by the Usenix tutorial organizers.

To clarify:  He was requested to drop discussions of general algorithms
in favor of more depth on advanced or unusual C features.  The actual
outline of the course and all of the materials were of his design; the
specs were to conform to the published course description.  We did ask for
changes, but these changes were in the direction that everyone else
seems to be asking for.

For the information of net readers, the "Advanced C" course will either not
be offered again, or if it is offered it will be relabeled and described
differently.  I think there is value in the course, but it missed its
target for a number in the audience in this case.


There was also a question about whether it makes sense to offer
"introductory" courses at Usenix.  Several others have already
responded to this point quite well.

/ Michael Tilson
/ Usenix tutorial coordinator
/ {utzoo,decvax}!hcr!hcradm!mike