Taking notes in class

Reading through the blog posts and thinking about a conversation I had after the noon class today, I'd like people to (re)consider whether you're taking notes in class. So far most people are clearly not doing so (they don't even have paper out), which is fine if that's what works for you. But it's also clear that, for example, the people that did take notes in anticipation of writing discussion summaries got quite a bit more detail and depth out of the discussion in part because of their notes.

I've also had conversations with a few people that haven't been speaking up much in class, and a common thread was "By the time there's some space in the conversation, I forget what I was going to say". Taking some (brief) notes on questions/comments/ideas you'd like to share can help ensure that you're ready with an idea when there is some dead space (which always happens now and then) and it tends to make you look more organized and focussed. And if you don't actually get to bring it up in class, then you can always use it as the basis for a blog post when you're next at a computer.

It would be good to post about Blanco on your blog

I would encourage everyone to post some sort of (thoughtful) response on their blog to Blanco's presentation last night.

Note that I didn't say "I require everyone...". You are adults, and ultimately you have to make your own decisions about how to get the most of your life here at UMM. I can make suggestions, but I can't (and won't and shouldn't) follow you around making sure you do everything I suggest. I think you ought to attend events, take notes, reflect and discuss things with the people around you, and post to your blog as part of a larger discussion. What you do, however, is ultimately up to you :-).