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While the reading was very interesting, I am distracted by the treatment of the students and the fact that we post on an open forum. Although I feel that the students’ opinions and actions are treated respectfully, the scientific diction leads to me see this classroom as a sort of experimental lab where the professors evaluate the actions and interactions of the students. Anne’s teaching style seems to be an ongoing experiment, which leads it evolve and adapt to her needs nicely, but it is a reality check that our interactions in this class are being evaluated, and not just on a grade basis. (It reminds me of some sort of constant psychological experiment. How interdisciplinary!)

While it is likely that Anne asked her students permission to quote their blogs and essays, it reminds me that this is an open forum and anyone with the internet and with some time could read and use our posted material as they please. I find it difficult to reconcile the implications of Anne’s requests to place ourselves “personally” within our work and the vulnerability of posting online. Although we are in an intellectual environment, the personal topics (sexuality, gender identity, etcetera) discussed in our work have implications for our “outside” lives.