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November 15, 2002
Top 10 Smart Technologies for Schools (cont'd)
9. Fingerprint Recognition
Check into class, check out a book, log on to the network-fingertip access is the newest way to go.
By Kathy Schrock
Fingerprints have long been used by law enforcement for identification at crime scenes. However, recent advances in technology have expanded the capabilities of fingerprint recognition for a variety of uses in schools. The field of biometrics uses digital technology based on unique physical characteristics, like a retina, fingerprint, or voice, to specifically identify an individual. Fingerprint recognition technology is made up of two parts-a databank of software to tie a fingerprint to a person's identity information and a piece of hardware that verifies a fingerprint matches the one in a stored template.
Fingerprint recognition technology has the potential to eliminate some of the "administrivia" that goes along with identification of students for certain purposes. For example, imagine a small fingerprint recognition device placed in each classroom and tied to the student information system. Each morning, or at the beginning of each period, the student simply presses his or her finger on the fingerprint pad, and attendance is automatically recorded in the SIS. The device can also easily act as a hall pass to record when students leave and return to the classroom during the day, in case there is ever a question about their whereabouts.
Another potential use of fingerprint recognition is in conjunction with e-cash. Imagine each student has electronic cash "on account" in a database that is debited when payments are made. They can use the biometric fingerprint device in the cafeteria to pay for lunch (thus eliminating the stigma of the "free lunch" ticket); in the library media center to pay for photocopies or lost books; and even in the school store when buying notebooks or their class ring. This would nearly eliminate the need for students to carry cash to school.
When it comes to learning activities, perhaps the most helpful use of fingerprint technology is for logging on to your school's network without requiring a user name and password. No more need for clipboards with sign-in and sign-out sheets, no worry about students logging on as one another-and no need to change passwords as they are forgotten.
But there are obstacles still to overcome with fingerprint recognition technology in schools. The first is the lack of a clear conduit that allows the different software databases in a school to work together. The Schools Interoperability Framework consortium is currently designing a specification that will allow many types of vendor databases to read each other, which should address this problem.
The other obstacle is one that will involve a bit more discussion. The area of privacy, and keeping students' fingerprints on file at the school, is an important one to talk about at all levels. If you do use this technology, be sure to inform parents of its benefits to the student and the school community at large.
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