The first day of class of any semester is always exciting. Welcome back Cardinals! Ever take roll in class and then lose the pieces of paper you used? Happens to the best of us. David M. Reed, a professor of computer science at Capital University, in Ohio, uses his iPhone as a way to streamline the process and keep a digital backup. Brainstorming for classroom talks has gone high-tech with "mind mapping" software that encourages arranging thoughts and ideas in nonlinear diagrams. These programs have been available for years on laptops and desktop computers, but some professors say the touch-screen interface of smartphones or tablet computers enhances the process, letting scholars toss around ideas with a flick of the finger. Gerald C. Gannod, director of mobile learning at Miami University, in Ohio, recommends Thinking Space for Android devices, MindBlowing for the iPhone, and Popplet for the iPad. Mr. Delwiche, of Trinity University, likes MindJet. "It's great when organizing papers or project ideas," he said. There is an interesting story about using student performance in subsequent classes to measure the effectiveness of past instructors. If colleges looked carefully at students' performance in (for example) Calculus II courses, some scholars say, they could harvest vital information about the Calculus I sections where the students were originally trained. Which Calculus I instructors are strongest? Which kinds of homework and classroom design are most effective? Please join us for the Engaging Educators In Meaningful Assessment webinar on January 20 at noon in room 708A in the Gray Library. Contact Dr. Tom Mathews or Dr. Todd Pourciau for more information or to indicate your participation.