Students are not permitted to use laptop computers during class. We understand the advantages of using laptop computers to take notes or to find material related to class discussions. However, laptops also deliver a constant stream of email, instant messaging requests, and other interruptions that discourage students from engaging fully in class. In the past we observed a high correlation between use of a laptop computer in class and dropping the course just before or after the midterm exam. You are welcome to use a laptop computer before class, but please close it when the lecture begins.