> A relevant point that the article failed to mention was, laptop/tablet/smartphone usage distracts not only the user, but those around him as well [1]. Just ha

> A relevant point that the article failed to mention was, laptop/tablet/smartphone usage distracts not only the user, but those around him as well [1]. Just having such a device in view lowers the comprehension of material. If you can't concentrate because the person next to you is on reddit you're going to have a hard time in an open office. Full disclosure, I only skimmed this paper, but I'd say this study has very little in common with the actual scenario of a good professor giving a stimulating lecture. People learn and take notes differently, students should be granted the respect to do whatever works best for them, professors' egos be damned. EDIT: Not to mention these students are paying customers....if they choose to waste their time in class, that's up to them.