September 2003 — Special Feature
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Creating Safer and More Efficient Schools With Biometric Technologies
Big Brother Protection
The key to the success of any biometric system is the maintenance of a controlled environment. Building access must be limited to one or several main entrances, particularly in off-hours. Those entryways will be equipped with biometric scanners (e.g., eye, facial or hand recognition systems) that will verify the identity of all students, staff and authorized visitors. Secondary uses such as cafeteria debiting, library checkout and student attendance also can be implemented using the same system.
In the near future, students may also use their biometric characteristics to authenticate themselves on the school network so that their portable computing devices will gain access to digital resources the moment they begin their school day. In addition, this computer-based identification may make other types of scanning unnecessary by establishing student attendance upon logging on to a wireless network.
Biometric systems will not prevent violence and threats, but the creation of a controlled environment to which only authorized personnel have access enables other security measures to be more effective and important. A centralized access control system would also make it possible to "lock down" part or all of a school in a crisis situation.
Sound too much like a Big Brother scenario? Remember that in the end, schools are protected, controlled environments designed for safe learning and growth; not microcosms of society as a whole. As society continues to change and become more safety conscious, biometrics will also gain a strong foothold in the commerce, governmental and public arenas - making school applications seem much less unusual and intrusive. In addition, biometric technologies will provide enhanced security and accountability for the benefit of students, parents and staff members. For this reason, school constituents' demands for security enhancements will offset privacy concerns, which seems like a small price to pay in order to foster a safer learning environment.
References
Borja, R. 2002. "Finger-Scanning Technology Monitors School Employees." Education Week 23 Oct.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). 2001. "School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000." Journal of School Health 71 (7).
Johnson & Wales University's Media Center. 2002. "Denver is First University in Colorado to Utilize Biometrics to Gain Access to Dorm Rooms." 21 Nov.
Nixon, S. 2003. "School Roll Could Be Replaced With Eye Scan." The Sydney Morning Herald 8 March.
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