Schools in South Korea are experimenting with software that allows teachers to restrict or disable their students' smartphones.
The program, described by education officials as a way to reduce in-class distractions, is currently being used in at least 11 schools in and around Seoul.
See also: 7 Landmark Tech Laws Passed in 2013
The application, called iSmartKeeper, allows teachers to remotely control which apps students can use. Students download the mobile version of the app while educators use an accompanying desktop program that lets them adjust the app's settings.
"Educators can choose to lock all of the phones in the school, allow only emergency calls, allow only phone calls, allow calls and SMS, or turn off specific apps," The Verge reports.
This enables teachers to selectively block messaging and social media apps, for example, while allowing specified educational apps to be used. iSmartKeeper uses location data to keep tabs on where students are to ensure the restrictions are only in effect while students are on school grounds.
The program is backed by Seoul's Metropolitan Office of Education, which reportedly asked a handful of schools in and around the city to try out the software initially. Education officials say they have plans to expand the program to more schools soon.
“So far, a total of 600 schools nationwide have expressed their intentions to use the system,” said Professor Han Gyu-sang of Gongju National University of Education, one of the creators of iSmartKeeper in an interview with Korea Joongang Daily. “And 30,000 students are now registered for the system.”
Schools testing the software must first get parental approval before using it in classrooms. The app also provides tools for parents who want similarly restrict their child's smartphone use at home.
The app is currently only available for Android devices but Gyu-sang says an iPhone version is nearly finished and will be released next month.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.