A new semester has started at the University of Arizona, which means I spent the past several weeks revising my syllabus. In particular, I was carefully writing my statement about why computers are not allowed during class time, which always creates quite a stir. Because I’m asked about this when I tell fellow academics that I do this, here’s exactly what I say:

Abbreviated versions of the notes for each chapter are available on D2L. You are to print these notes and bring them to class to keep up with note-taking. Importantly, because these notes are made available to you, the use of computers is not allowed during class unless there is an exceptional circumstance that is approved by Dr. Gabriel. This is to create a positive classroom atmosphere of engagement, which cannot be achieved if half the class is sitting behind a computer screen. Students who are caught using their computers will not only be asked to close their computers down, but also asked to leave class for the day.

Analytics. Algorithms. Data Viz. Metrics. It seems like data are all anyone can talk about these days. And for good reason! This is the era of measurement, of prediction, of analysis. This issue of TIPhas a few articles that directly address the theme of how we use and communicate data to others. Check out Crash Course for an introduction to Tableau, a popular data visualization tool. Feature articles from List and McDaniel, Cucina and Berger, and Mandelke et al. discuss various aspects of how we make decisions about data and what the consequences of those decisions are. There are useful bits of advice in here and also important questions to ask ourselves as scientists and practitioners.

Summer in Houston started wet and is ending wet, with hot in between—sorta typical, though it seems wetter and hotter than usual. But the long hot summer hasn’t stopped the work that our SIOP colleagues have been doing, and a lot has been going on this summer.