I've stated repeatedly over the years how the internet has revolutionized how educators can give assignments and communicate with students outside of class. And in the middle of our social media revolution, I still feel the same way (e.g. in the past, I've had extra credit assignments done exclusively on Facebook; and in an upcoming Mass Media class, the students and I will make active use of Twitter for communication outside of class, in an effort to engage professionals in the field).
On the other hand, while I encourage college students to bring laptops to class (to take notes or look up class information on task), I am not a proponent (yet?) of integrating Twitter/texting in real time to post comments DURING class for immediate review. Yes, I believe that class is an improv troupe, with the unexpected just waiting to happen. However, there is also a certain structure and flow that would be disrupted by real time comments posted and displayed on the big screen. Maybe if I had a teaching assistant to filter the relevant comments/questions from the clutter in my class of 120 students, I'd consider this usage.
I do recognize that students are techno-multi-taskers and that everything a prof says is not so useful or interesting. Thus, I have no problem with a student receiving a silent text because it doesn't disrupt the class. Professionals at conferences are continuously under the table with their Blackberries, and I try to treat the students the same way - as adults. It's up to me to make the class dynamic enough so they'll resort to paying attention.
I do have one classroom rule: If an unmuted cell phone call/text goes off - I get to answer it! That usually gets students to mute the phones AND get a good laugh.
Anyway, do you really think you can prevent students from using technology in class?
Why Banning Social Media Often Backfires
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