South Korean Schools Use App to Control Student Smartphone Use

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.

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. Read more...