Skipping classes, particularly big lectures where an absence is likely to go undetected, is a tradition among college undergraduates. These days, however, some professors say they're seeing more _ , as students make the most of new technologies as learning aids. 

Americ Azevedo taught an "Introduction to Computers" at the University of California, Berkeley, US last semester. By visiting the course's website, the 200 enrolled students could download audio recordings or watch digital videos of the lectures, as well as read the instructor's detailed lecture notes. 

But there was one big problem: So many of the undergraduates relied on the technology that at times only 20 or so actually showed up for class. 

Doug Suda, 19, a student in Azevedo's class last semester, said he skipped about three-quarter of the lectures. It's largely because he was busy with an off-campus job and was taking the course to fulfill a business major requirement. At the end of the term, Suda prepared hurriedly for the final exam by watching videos of about 15 lectures over three days. "If I hadn't that... I would probably fail the class," said Suda, who instead received a B-plus. 

Despite the concerns about absenteeism, schools are increasingly experimenting with ways to let students watch or listen to lectures on their computers or digital music players, like iPods. Last month, Harvard Medical School began "Podcasting" lectures. Students can download them into digital musical players, and study while they, say, go for a walk. 

As many academics accept the electronic innovation, others are pushing back. To encourage attendance, they are applying low-tech tactics, like giving more surprising quizzes or cutting back their online offerings. 

Lee Chanian, a UCLA economics professor, says "too much technology leads to passive learning environment and encourage more absenteeism". He now puts fewer lecture materials online, and provides extensive notes only for the most complicated topics.
What is Americ Azevedo's job?
What does he do there?
What class?
How many people took the class?
How many came for in person class?
What did they use instead?
Where could they obtain that?
Was Doug Suda in the class?
Die he attend the class sessions?
How many?
Why not all of them?
With what?
How long did he study for the final?
What did he use?
How many talks were on them?
What was his grade?
How does Harvard deliver lectures?
Are they downloadable?
What does Chanian this technology is causing?
Is he adding more of his lectures to the online library?
the University of California
Americ Azevedo taught an "Introduction to Computers" at the University of California
teaches
Americ Azevedo taught
Introduction to Computers
Americ Azevedo taught an "Introduction to Computers
200
the 200 enrolled students
about 20
only 20 or so actually showed up for class
the technology
So many of the undergraduates relied on the technology that at times only 20 or so actually showed up for class. 
the course's website
By visiting the course's website, the 200 enrolled students could download audio recordings
Yes
Doug Suda, 19, a student in Azevedo's class 
some of them
Doug Suda, 19, a student in Azevedo's class last semester, said he skipped about three-quarter of the lectures
about 1/4
Doug Suda, 19, a student in Azevedo's class last semester, said he skipped about three-quarter of the lectures
because he was busy
because he was busy 
a job
 he was busy with an off-campus job
three days
At the end of the term, Suda prepared hurriedly for the final exam by watching videos of about 15 lectures over three days
videos
Suda prepared hurriedly for the final exam by watching videos 
about 15
videos of about 15 lectures
a B-plus
Suda, who instead received a B-plus
Podcasting
Harvard Medical School began "Podcasting" lectures
Yes
Podcasting" lectures. Students can download
to a passive learning environment
Lee Chanian, a UCLA economics professor, says "too much technology leads to passive learning environment
No
He now puts fewer lecture materials onlin