Biometrics!Biometric Attendance Recording Pilot
at Perth College UHIFacilitated by Derek Summers, Computing Lecturer
Context
• Project for computing students
• Ease problem for staff• Hardware and software• Pros and cons • Student feedback• Next steps
Computing Project
• Graduate students only initially
• A project with operational benefits
• Backup to usual attendance methods
Ease Problem for Staff
• Marking attendance online or manually
• Funded students responsible for own attendance
• Remove risk of buddy swiping or forgotten id cards
• Help students engage more
Hardware/Software
• Biometric readers• Server hardware• Software
Supplied by M3 Biometrics Perth Scotland
Pros and Cons
Positive
• Ease of use• Can’t forget your finger• Minimal intervention so
less error risk for staff• Robust data collection• Students engaged actively
in process
Negative• High quality finger print
required• “Big brother” concerns for
some older students• Some students aware it was
backup and didn’t use it• Potentially expensive to
implement on large scale
Student Feedback
To be aware of
• Easy to use• Generally younger
students had no problem with biometrics
• International students used the system dutifully
Negative
• Some older students seemed concerned about “fingerprints being kept on file”
• A “good” fingerprint is needed, not suitable for all students
Positive
When positioning readers make sure they’re accessible to wheelchair users
Next Steps
Short term
• Expand system to encompass all computing students
• Integrate with CELCAT Attendance
• Offer wireless portable readers in certain areas
Longer term• Attach readers to door locks
to allow certain students (e.g. PHD) to access the rooms outside of normal hours
• Eventually may be roll out system across college in conjunction with other data capture methods
Thank You
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