Matthew Sturdivan, senior majoring in economics
Economics 493: Evolution of Economic Ideas

I log on almost every day to check for updates and new material to study. The great thing about Mark's blog is that he posts videos of every class lecture, which can be very useful when I'm studying for a test. Mark also posts information on all of the economists that we learn about that isn't offered in the textbook, which provides good background information.

I wouldn't be surprised if more professors followed Mark's lead because I think it decreases the need to have office hours and resolves the issue of missing class, even though there is no true substitute for actually going to class. In a time when the major media outlets seem stale and rehearsed, it is good to have another place to find more alternative economic news that provides refreshed views on many issues. Although I disagree with some of the information that is posted on Mark's blog, it is better for students to keep questioning their views and refining them instead of allowing themselves to settle on ideas that just don't work.

Brennan Pothetes, junior majoring in economics
Economics 493: Evolution of Economic Ideas

Typically, I log onto Mark's blog at least once a day, sometimes more depending on my schedule. Academically the blog is useful for me when writing essays or researching various case studies.

Every time I read the blog it shifts my world perspective because it covers such a large, diverse array of issues while allowing me to engage in the topics with other people. My writing and debate skills in the field of economics have greatly improved over my time using the blog...Mark's blog serves as a new medium for individuals that want to fully integrate their academic knowledge with current events in the field.

Mark's blog is something I came upon early as an economics major, and it has helped me make a link between the real world and the academic one.

Jeremy Adams,senior majoring in economics
Economics 470: Monetary Policy

I log on to Mark's blog at least three times a week.

For me, the videos are the most useful feature of the blog. I like to have them for reference. Mark doesn't teach directly from the book, so I rely on these as study aids. He does post links and current events that help make the course material more relevant in context.

I really enjoy the blogs. There are a lot of articles and I'm not able to view them all. Overall, the videos are a must for this course and the blogs are fun and help my education.

This is the first course I've taken that includes a blog. It's nice to see UO professors being published in a forum like this. I think it adds to the prestige of the university.

William Countner, senior majoring in economics
Economics 470: Monetary Policy

I log on to Mark's blog almost every day.

The most useful tool I have found is the video lectures and Mark's postings of past exams and review questions. I was going through the study guide and had some questions and pulled up the lecture from that subject and it cleared it right up. I also use the video lecture when my notes get confusing, or my handwriting became so terrible I had no idea what I had written. It has been very helpful for that.

I've really enjoyed reading opinions on the issues that affect our economy, and you can see it in real context. Overall, it's just a cool experience to have Mark as a teacher and be able to use his blog.