A high school science teacher was suspended for five days for using a portable jammer in a classroom to block signals from students’ mobile phones. However, he may consider himself lucky because he actually violated federal law.
Dean Liptak, tired of phone calls and interrupting their attention, didn’t think the school’s confiscation plan would be embarrassing. WTSP reports that he brought the device to keep their noses on books instead of screens.
Unfortunately, although Liptak claims that the jammer only blocked the reception signal in his classroom, it actually prevented communication with the campus cell phone tower. This caught Verizon’s attention, and Verizon reminded school officials of the presence of the jammer.
Kurt Browning, the mayor, said in the suspension letter that Liptak “communicates vital to security poses a serious threat and prevents others from making 911 calls.” He also cited Liptak’s “lack of judgment” about “inappropriate educational worksheets” for use with students.
In response, Liptak said that after talking to police officials, he did not believe that owning and using the jammer was a violation of state law. And they may not, but the FCC stated that “use a jammer to deliberately block, block or interfere with authorized radio communications for mobile phones or similar devices, such as cell phones, radar and Wi-Fi.” “My purpose is to use the device to keep students focused For homework, “Liptak wrote,” When I have to tell students to drop their phones, stopping teaching and losing focus will be counterproductive …. If students refuse to give up their phones and take them with them, I must write a recommendation Books and increasingly lose focus on learning. ”
Verizon doesn’t need to sue, so Liptak can only enjoy unpaid weeks. This is just another skirmish in the battle for attention between users and screens, and wearables such as Apple’s smartwatches will only exacerbate the conflict. Checking your watch and phone are two of the most socially offensive things you can do. Putting them together like an Apple Watch will only irritate head and finger vibrations, and phrases like: Now?
Liptak’s man-made jammer is only illegal, but too lethal. In this case, the respect of the students and the participation of the teacher are required. We don’t need federal government involvement.