Many schools use barcode technology to keep track of textbooks, laptop computers, and shared av equipment for their classrooms. In recent years several school systems have also begun to adopt RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Although they’re not just tracking books and TV’s anymore… several school systems are now considering tracking the students themselves.
In Contra Costa County California, officials are outfitting preschoolers with RFID tracking devices they say will save staff time and money.
The system will require students to wear a jersey that has a small radio frequency tag. The tag will send signals to sensors that help track children’s whereabouts, attendance and even whether they’ve eaten or not. School officials say it will free up teachers and administrators who previously had to note on paper files when a child was absent or had eaten.
In addition, New Canaan Public Schools in Connecticut is considering adding RFID to student and faculty ID cards. The school system is looking to use these tags to track where students and faculty are located throughout campus, as well as locate missing school property.
Read the recent news articles for Contra Costa County preschoolers and New Canaan Public Schools.