First of all, I'd like to talk about the issue of new technological systems in colleges and schools around the UK. Many of you may know that this year the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) Pride awards in the South gave a prestigious Gold award to Livewire PR’s campaign to promote biometrics, ‘Changing the face of student registration in UK colleges.’ (http://www.ciprawards.com)
Biometric technologies is a system used to register students by identifying human body characteristics such as fingerprints and facial structure. 'faceREGISTER' will take the form of touch-screens in colleges and sixth forms replacing student cards and paper registration.
The question is: do you think that this is a good idea? Can it work for schools and colleges? Or is it just simply too risky and too expensive?
Take a look at this video (from about 15 minutes 30 seconds onwards) from Teacher’s TV online about whether or not technological systems in schools is safe and if it could highlight fears about a ‘Big Brother’ surveillance state.
My initial thoughts about biometric systems in colleges was that I hadn't heard about it being used at all and thought that it could be a risk. Schools in my local area of Bedfordshire have not yet installed this system but I hope that in time they will consider the new means of registration. It is a complicated issue and one that needs to be addressed!
What are your thoughts about schools being more tightly regulated? Would it be a worry if the system breaks down at all?
As with every issue I'll be discussing, your comments count a lot so please feel free to let me know what you think!
Interesting post. Would it not be too expensive for British schools to use? If I was still at college, I have to admit I wouldn't be opposed to the proposed system.
ReplyDeleteI havent actually heard alot about this. I can understand why they are doing it, but as I have been to school feel there was nothing wrong with the way they used to register us.
ReplyDeleteIf flaws are found it is alot of money wasted, which could of been used for other school resources. I do feel it is also like being watched very closely at school and that could prove to be off putting. However can understand why this has been introduced, just not sure how effective it will be.
Hope that helps steph xxxx
Thanks for your informative post. I think it's true that the project would be a risky investment if it fails for many schools and colleges although installing these touchscreens would be innovative and allow tighter regulations on students activities, allowing the universities and schools greater control.
ReplyDeleteMy only concern is the possiblity that the system may break down, which could be avoided though if failsafes are put in place.
Thanks :)
Though this technology has greatly developed there are still numerous problems. The personal connection between child and pupil is one that teachers hope to gain during their careers.
ReplyDeleteHowever, paper systems are prone to mistakes though can be reliable in situations such as power cuts. Saving time using this systems is an improvement on time management problems in schools.
Many thanks for an update on an interesting educational issue!
Lauren
Interesting concept, I think it has great potential from the schools' and, if it can become widespread, governments' perspectives. All data can be fed straight into databases, easily analysed etc and room for human error is almost 0. As has been mentioned in previous posts however, these things do go wrong. Power cuts and the like will have a great effect and it will of course be necessary to have a paper back up until all the creases are ironed out. The only way to find out what could possibly go wrong though would be to actually implement it...
ReplyDeleteAnd although this seems like quite a futuristic advance in the school system, the machines the school in the video used looked a bit retro and, quite frankly, shit. What's that about? I personally would expect something a little more aesthetically pleasing.
BB gone Wild!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteInitially it sounds like an impressive system, although after watching the video it seems like a waste of funds that could go to other school equipment that could actually improve education.
ReplyDeleteThe teacher says how its great to know who is in school before they come into class, although it then shows him checking through the register and questioning the class to who isn't here. Surely this defeats the object of "time saving".
It appears that every advantage somebody points out has no validity. Another example, when the female teacher says how if somebody is missing from your class you can tell whether they are in school or not because of the registration system. This is not the case at all,what is stopping somebody from walking out later on in the day after registering?
With reference to the students comments that it would take "10, 15 minutes to register" this is vastly exaggerated. How long can it really take to call out 30 or so names in the register? It never took more than a couple of minutes when I was at school and you could probably be queing up for the fingerprint machine for longer than that!
I am really struggling to see any strength to the biometric system.I know my argument has been against but I just dont see how the government can justify this system. It's ethical guidelines are extremely questionable.
I can see this system being implemented into schools and colleges having both pros and cons. Student interfacing with teachers as an authority figure will suffer as a result of taking this process being taken away from the teacher and given to a technology driven system. However this will give extra responsibility to students, registering themselves would be good for their personal development.
ReplyDeleteThis system appears to be less open to manipulation, especially when initiatives are in place which pay government funding as a incentive for students to attend courses. Biometric technology ensures without any doubt that the individual is in attendance as appose to paper based systems, which can be vulnerable. An example being a student could not only register themselves but also their classmates (I know this from my own experience). Biometrics as mentioned in the video also has ethical issues which could cause unrest. Another problem could be the cost of rolling out this system across the nation.
Let’s end on a positive point however, the system has green credentials eliminating the use of paper registers and providing there are adequate fail safe measures in place e.g. Battery backup if power is lost, protection against the data being used for fraudulent activity.....etc I, believe the positives outweigh the negatives.
Rich
There are a few issues here, such as data protection and security of information. It might be a good idea, in terms of accountability and safety, from an emergency response point of view (evacuation etc). There still needs to be a contingency option (backup), as technology may fail. The cost factor is also an issue KCB
ReplyDeleteI think it's a waste of money. If I was back at college I would definitely oppose it because it's invasive and creepy! Surely there are better ways of spending money in schools, such as to improve courses, hire more staff, or improve facilities. The whole concept freaks me out. Next thing they'll be monitoring conversations, shaving our heads and making us wear numbers to identify us.
ReplyDeleteTo me this seems quite drastic. I don't really understand the problem with the normal way of registering people. Is it that people are posing as others?
ReplyDeleteTo me it just seems an unnecessary expenditure and sort of big brother like!
I suppose on a security level it makes sense though, as teachers will always know how many students are in the school etc.
Interesting subject!
I think schools would benefit just as well with good old fashioned systems. i.e. good fencing surrounding the grounds, intercom controlled reception doors, and a member of staff (security) manning them. There should only be one access point in the school.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that this would come at a cost, but surely cheaper than the above mentioned option.
As for computerised registers, I know this has already been implemented locally and has had a positive outcome. Teachers are able to see at a glance where a students has missed a lesson.
I think if it's really time effective and allow schools to use the time saved to do more educational things, it might be a good idea. However, I think it is also a big risk to rely so much on technology especially for processes as common as registration.
ReplyDeleteI think that the system is quite at first can seem unneccessary and a waste of money. I think that this has a lot to do with the fact that its a big change from people are used to and its expensive.
ReplyDeleteHowever I think that it the campaign was obviously successful in changing these perceptions promoting its scientific strengths.
It will save paper and allow schools and colleges to monitor attendance more closely but I really don't think that it is the best system to replace paper ones. All they would need is an electronic register, why the need for fingertip readers and all your details on the sysytem, it seems a bit too big brother like for my liking and a bit overboard for a simple registration system!
Laura