Biometrics!Biometric Attendance Recording Pilot

at Perth College UHIFacilitated by Derek Summers, Computing Lecturer

Perth College UHI

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