As spring weather gets warmer and brighter, students aren’t the only ones yearning for outdoor classes.

NIU instructors also feel the need to be outside, but often can’t be.

On days when weather is pleasant, Katharina Barbe, an associate professor of foreign languages, would like to move class into the fresh air, but said there’s something stopping her.

“Students can’t hear you when you’re outside,” she said. “In foreign language, interaction is very important.”

Instructors also have found that leaving the classroom means leaving necessary technology behind. Because of his use of film and video in the classroom, Robert Miller, an associate communication professor, finds holding class outdoors is “less of a choice.”

Also, nature comes with its own unique problems.

“I’ve held classes outside, and students get distracted,” said assistant economics professor Carl Campbell, recalling an outdoor class session during which a student in the residence halls played a tape of raunchy comedian Andrew Dice Clay for Campbell and his students.

Whether teaching there is practical, instructors still enjoy spending time outside on their own.

“I enjoy being outside,” Campbell said. “But there are enough hours in a day outside of class.”

Assistant English professor Michael Day likes the nice days so much that he treks 1.25 miles to school when weather permits.

Often, however, instructors notice something missing from their classes on those days: students.

“The classrooms get empty,” Campbell said. “It’s depressing.”

Barbe has noticed the same thing.

“I don’t know if it’s the weather or my attendance policy, but a lot of students miss class,” she said.

Students’ excuses for missing class are Barbe’s favorite part.

“You wouldn’t believe how many grandmothers die,” she said.