Distractions

According to Google Dictionary:

dis·trac·tion

noun /disˈtrakSHən/ distractions, plural A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else - the company found passenger travel a distraction from the main business of moving freight A diversion or recreation - there are plenty of distractions such as sailing

Mobile games, text messages, IM, email, the WWW, friends - all possible distractions to a student  (definition 1) while in class. The further you sit to the back of a classroom, you think, the less noticeable you are and the more tempted you are to indulge in these distractions. Some teachers actually pay more attention to those in the back rows for this very reason.

Why do you choose to be distracted when you've already done the hard part? You've made it to class. You're here. At the very least you could listen. And while you're at it, why not take some notes and participate? It's all been (or being) paid for - the tuition, the transportation, the books, the stationery. Somebody's paying for them, if not you, then your parents or the institution or the government or some sponsor. So much can be gained during these contact hours with your teacher and your peers. Listen. Engage. Learn.

The truth is, mobile games, text messages, IM, email, the WWW, friends are distractions (definition 2) that will still be available after class for you to enjoy.