Hurray for Harvard!

This just in. It looks like Harvard Law School is going to ban students from using laptop computers during lectures.

Good for them.

The use of a laptop creates a barrier between the teacher and the student. It reduces eye contact and raises the suspicion that the student may be checking e-mail or cruising the Internet.

Aside from that, it is rude. The students probably don't intend it to be so, but then they've never had to teach in front of a room filled with people, most of whom are staring at computer screens instead of at the instructor.

Basic rule: When someone is speaking to you, you not only listen, but you act as if you are listening.