Biometrics! Biometric Attendance Recording Pilot at Perth College UHI Facilitated 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