> However, I'd also guess that at least some people use the computer to look up additional information instead of stopping the class and asking, which helps everyone involved.

No it doesn't. Practically the only point of lectures is so students can ask questions. Otherwise just read the material and don't go. Moreover there are probably others in the class too shy to ask the same question, but at worst it reinforces everyone else's learning.

I hated when people asked not needed questions in lecture for over hundred people. At least attempt to answer it yourself, don't slow other 99 people down.

> I'd also guess that at least some people use the computer to look up additional information instead of stopping the class and asking, which helps everyone involved.

Are you sure about that? Intuitively, wouldn't it be the opposite? Asking questions results in the teacher giving an answer that can benefit the whole class, whereas if you just look something up yourself you're the only one who benefits from that additional piece of information.

While I won't deny that it's possible the question might help multiple people, it's more likely that if it's simple enough to look up online, it's better for everyone to do their own research.

Lectures still serve to help for more difficult questions, and the time is better spent on them instead.

But its easy to see how having a computer can make someone intending to pay attention be distracted and miss critical information. A distracted mind is not going to create connections to understand the material as a whole, but rather will simply grab bits and pieces as their concentration is split.