Vanilla

Just took a look at a completed class set of datasheets.

Was struck by how closely the students’ site descriptions and captions mirror the examples given on the datasheet.

Wondering whether this parroting is a healthy and safe first step for novices or if there is some danger in providing examples.

What does an example whisper to a student?

Hey, use me to guide you as you build your confidence as a scientist...?

Psst, copy me so you get the "right" answer...?

Hopefully not the latter.

Nobody wants a vanilla database.

So how to avoid?

Don’t know.

Maybe the examples on the datasheet change each time you access it or download.

Lots of real examples from real students…with a link to their full record…with the chance to see yours make the datasheet someday.