I honestly don't see the problem. Professors are not entitled to their student's attention. If students are not interested in the material being taught at a particular point in time, they should have the freedom to redirect their thought-flow to activities that better serve their needs. If Columbia law professors don't want students going online during class, then perhaps they should reform their curriculum such that it better relates to our lives. If that task is too difficult for them, they are always free to find another occupation and stop cashing the checks.

Unless the contention is that there is something online that is preventing students from behaving as economically rational agents. I would agree with that proposition, but I would be interested in knowing what you think it is.

-Shay