BC Principal Blocks Cell Phone Reception

A principal in BC became fed up with cell phones in his high school and decided to take matters into his own hands by buying a cell phone jamming device for $115 (with school funds) and installing in the school.

According to The Province his actions were rooted in reducing classroom management issues surrounding cell phones and administration/teacher time consumed by dealing with the common school rule infraction.

Students doing research found out that radio communications “jammers” are illegal for sale or use in Canada and the principal quickly pulled the plug.

The article also brought in the opinions of Richard Smith, member communications department at Simon Fraser University:

“The mobile phone is part of our culture right now,” said Smith. “You’re just as likely to get rid of mobile phones as you are to get rid of hoodies and those caps the kids wear backwards.”

Smith said the “challenge for teachers and principals is to determine ways they can be integrated into classrooms. That will include teaching children and coming to an agreement with children about when it’s appropriate and when it’s inappropriate.”

This all brings about some interesting problems surrounding cell phones and similar electronic devices in the classroom.  For the most part my personal observations reveal that they are a generally distracting force in the classroom.  Despite these initial observations I do see potential uses for some of the web browsing, organizational and collaborative tools some higher-end cell phones have.  Indeed, there are studies looking at iPhones other smartphones for potential use in the classroom and I can appreciate their use in classroom.

From the science side of things an iPhone or similar device could be used to do quick research, record audio or video during an experiment, organize or record data.  I have even seen applications that use the device’s accelerometer and GPS to record location data, acceleration or even act as a level.

Although the cell phones are currently frustrating educators I believe they have the potential to benefit the classroom.  As rules and social etiquette are built up around these and other high-tech devices I am sure conflicts and problems surround their use in schools and elsewhere will eventually diminish.

Read the full article at The Province