Banning the Internet

I just received an email from my dean, who I like very much. It is an explanation of the findings of a committee on teaching that was supposed to "lead the faculty in a collective rededication to excellence in the classroom." The most interesting part:

Third, the Committee reported widespread concern, among both students and faculty, with the misuse of computers in the classroom. Use of computers for purposes unrelated to the educational mission of the classroom distracts the students directly involved and those around them. Accordingly, the Committee recommended that use of computers in the classroom be limited to appropriate activities. Inappropriate activities generally would include sending or receiving e-mail, instant messaging, playing computer games, and accessing websites not specifically related to classroom discussion.

While I don't entirely disagree with some of their descriptions, what bothers me is that this senselessly promotes mediocrity by artificially limiting the market through monopoly. Instead of promoting better and more interesting teaching, they seek to eliminate their competitors.

In addition, banning the internet removes the competitive edge granted to those students who do pay close attention despite having the option to "misuse" their computers. Thus the market itself would reward both students and teachers who maximize their own potential, but wouldn't artificially bolster those who choose to be mediocre.

I'd expect more respect for the supremacy of the efficient market from a school renowned for its law and economics focus.