Technology like laptops and smartphones can be a useful part of the learning experience, but it can also be distracting. In this course, I'm going to allow the use of laptops in the classroom; part of what we will do in lectures is work through examples. Some students also find it useful to refer to online reference materials. On the other hand, to help you resist the temptations of non-course related uses of your laptop, I reserve the right to observe what you are using your laptop for, and ask you to stop, or leave the class if I consider it inappropriate or distracting to other students. If you consider this draconian or an invasion of your privacy, you are welcome to leave your gadgets packed away during the lecture.