I graduated a couple of years ago in Engineering. (Israel)

In general, it took more effort with large intro class sizes.

I think the main reason for this is not the size itself but the fact that for a large number of students these classes are not very relevant to their future profession (or so they thought). For example, math for engineering/computer science students. I think the motivation of the class in general is more important to your experience.

Regarding your other questions, the experience did not affect my career decisions and in most of the classes the use of technology was restricted to a class website.

I graduated a couple of years ago in Engineering. (Israel) In general, it took more effort with large intro class sizes. I think the main reason for this is not the size itself but the fact that for a large number of students these classes are not very relevant to their future profession (or so they thought). For example, math for engineering/computer science students. I think the motivation of the class in general is more important to your experience.

Regarding your other questions, the experience did not affect my career decisions and in most of the classes the use of technology was restricted to a class website.

10 decibans means 1:10 odds (~90%), 100 decibans 1:100 odds (~99%)

I think you have a typo there, shouldn't it say 20 decibels.

This question bothers me so much that once I get to be a good enough programmer I actually want to build a website that will connect adult beginners with each other so that maximum learning can happen with minimal embarrassment and no interaction with children. A system where you can trade tutoring ("I'll teach you the violin if you'll teach me painting") or simply pay for classes, with some way to rate and view the quality of each person's teaching would be useful.

As long as there is no larger system like that, I'd suggest that your best bet is to find a friend or acquaintance who is good at whatever you want to learn and offer them something they want but wouldn't ask for, whether it's money or a favor. That way, you get to learn things at a personalized pace while building a friendship.

Hello, I stumbled upon LW a few months ago. Some of the stuff here I find extremely interesting. Really like the quality of the articles and discussions here. I studied math and engineering, currently working as a s/w developer, also very much interested in economics and game theory.

Cheers!

Very interesting.

It always amazes me how insightful scientists sometimes are, even more so when you consider the technological capabilities of their time.

To put it another way: its amazing how little we have progressed on the fundamental issues despite the exponential growth in computing power.