Ancient History
University cultures and methodologies have deep roots and correspondingly strong momentum. This 14th century lecture by Henricus de Alemania has students taking notes, talking, and even sleeping in class.
That we recognize so much of today's classroom in this painting implies that we have a lot of room to adopt to newer opportunities and needs. Then again that the idiom has survived for so long implies that it provides a strong value.
This value is evident in situations like today's talk where we want to provide a compressed overview and introduction to a diverse audience.