Lori Meadows
Universities have been leveraging technology to keep track of students, with some raising concerns over privacy invasion and others touting the benefits of enhanced educational experiences. Colleges are increasingly adopting tools like Attendance Radar, which uses Bluetooth and mobile apps to accurately track attendance, while others use data analytics to predict graduation rates and identify at-risk students. Student work and assignments are also kept for varying periods, with some universities retaining records for potential plagiarism detection. The methods and motivations for tracking students vary, and the effectiveness and ethical implications of these practices are subject to ongoing debate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of technology | Colleges use technology such as Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi access points, and mobile apps to track students' locations and attendance. |
| Data collection | Universities collect various data points on students, including attendance records, location data, academic performance, and online activity. |
| Purpose | Institutions use data to monitor attendance, conduct research, measure student engagement, and boost graduation rates. |
| Privacy concerns | Critics argue that data collection may invade students' privacy and raise ethical concerns. Many students are unaware of the extent of surveillance. |
| Record retention | Universities may retain student records, including assignments and exams, for a specific period to allow for grading challenges. Retention periods vary by institution. |
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What You'll Learn
Student attendance tracking methods
Universities and colleges are increasingly using technology to keep track of students and monitor class attendance. While roll calls and paper registers were once standard, educational institutions of every size now seek reliable ways to record, analyse, and improve class attendance.
Bluetooth Beacons
Some universities use Bluetooth beacons installed in classrooms to log whether a student has attended class, if they were late, or if they left in the middle of the class. This technology can also be used to automatically check students into a classroom via their mobile phones.
Wi-Fi Tracking
Universities can also track students' movements around campus using Wi-Fi access points. This data can be used to monitor class attendance, but also to identify students who may be going through a mental health crisis, for example, by detecting if a student is not leaving their dorm room enough.
Student ID Badges
A more low-tech solution is for students to check themselves in and out of classes or other activities by scanning their ID badges or entering their student ID on a keypad.
Attendance Tracking Software
There are a variety of student attendance tracking software solutions available, such as EZReports, AccuClass, and PowerSchool. These platforms offer features such as QR code scanning, mobile app check-ins, and seamless integration with other systems. They provide administrators and teachers with real-time insights and flexible recording methods, minimising errors and saving time.
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Privacy concerns
Students are becoming more aware of the risks to their privacy and value their privacy protections. A 2016 survey found that a third of undergraduates were concerned about technological advances invading their privacy. Another survey in 2018 found that 39% of respondents aged 18-49 were "very concerned" about invasions of privacy on Facebook. Despite this awareness, students often behave in ways that put their privacy at risk, a phenomenon called the "privacy paradox". For example, students may disclose personal information or that of their peers for small incentives, such as free pizza.
There are federal and state laws that protect student data, such as FERPA, COPPA, and PPRA, and it is the responsibility of universities to safeguard this information. This includes refraining from disclosing students' personally identifiable information without written consent, implementing reasonable cybersecurity safeguards, and promptly reporting data breaches. Universities must also comply with data privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Universities should ensure that they have an organized strategy and the right tools to aid their security teams in protecting student data. This includes using sensitive data discovery tools to locate all types of data across their digital landscape and setting up Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enable location tracking and remote data wipes of lost devices.
It is essential for universities to balance the need for data collection to enhance the academic experience with the privacy rights of their students.
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Student data and mental health
Universities have access to a lot of student data, from their academic records to personal information. This includes data on student mental health, which is a growing area of concern for universities.
Student Data
Universities keep track of their students in various ways, from academic records and exam results to attendance tracking. In recent years, the use of technology to monitor students has become more prevalent. This includes the use of Bluetooth beacons in classrooms to track attendance and Wi-Fi access points to track student movements on campus. While this data is often used for attendance monitoring, it can also be used to track student behaviour and identify potential mental health issues.
Student Mental Health
Student mental health is an increasingly important issue for universities. Studies have shown that a significant number of students experience mental health issues, with loneliness being a key factor in student wellbeing. Active Minds, in collaboration with TimelyCare, conducted a survey of approximately 1,100 US college and university students. The results showed that 64.7% of students felt lonely, 51.7% were concerned about their friends' mental health, and 28.8% reported severe psychological distress. The survey also found that LGBQ+ students were more likely to experience loneliness, with 70.3% reporting feeling lonely compared to 60.6% of their non-LGBQ+ peers.
Data and Mental Health
The data collected by universities can be used to identify students who may be struggling with their mental health. For example, a student who stops attending class or spends a lot of time in their dorm room may be experiencing mental health issues. Universities can use this data to reach out to students and offer support. Additionally, data can be used to identify disparities in mental health treatment across different demographics and work towards equity. For example, a study by Lipson found that Asian students and international students faced barriers in accessing mental health services due to cultural and language barriers. As a result, colleges took steps to hire more diverse counselors and implement language-specific services.
Privacy Concerns
While the collection of student data can have benefits, it also raises privacy concerns. Many students are unaware of the extent of surveillance on campus and how their data is being used. Universities must balance the need for data with the privacy and autonomy of their students.
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Student assignment record-keeping
Universities employ a variety of methods to keep track of student attendance and, in some cases, location data. This is done with the aim of improving the student experience, raising retention rates, and boosting graduation outcomes.
Student Attendance Tracking
Many universities use software systems and mobile apps to track student attendance. These apps use a range of methods, including geofencing, QR codes, and Bluetooth technology. For example, Attendance Radar is a popular app that uses Bluetooth to allow teachers to scan for attendance and for students to mark themselves as present. This system is harder to cheat compared to QR codes, which can be shared with other students. Additionally, fingerprint scanners can be used for attendance tracking, but this method is expensive to set up and maintain.
Location Data and Surveillance
Some universities have implemented surveillance systems that leverage students' smartphones and Bluetooth beacons installed in classrooms to track their location and attendance. This data is used to monitor class attendance and, in some cases, to identify students who may be going through mental health issues based on their movement patterns. While this technology can help universities support at-risk students, it has also raised concerns about student privacy.
Universities have different policies regarding the retention of student assignments. In some cases, course convenors are required to keep copies of student assignments and exams for a certain period, usually 2-4 semesters, to allow for grading challenges. After this period, the assignments are securely disposed of. However, if assignments are saved in an online or softcopy format, they may be preserved indefinitely.
Additionally, universities may use plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, which stores student papers indefinitely to check for plagiarism. While student assignments may not be routinely kept for research, using them for research would typically require ethics clearance.
In summary, universities employ a range of methods to keep track of student attendance and location, and they have varying policies regarding the retention and use of student assignments.
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Predictive analytics and graduation rates
Universities are increasingly turning to a high-tech data solution called predictive analytics to improve graduation rates. This involves finding trends and patterns in large amounts of historical data and using those patterns to predict the future. In the context of student success, this could mean identifying students at risk of dropping out, spotting behavioural trends that indicate disengagement, personalising academic support, and helping staff prioritise high-impact interventions.
One of the early adopters of this technology was Georgia State University, which has been held up as a success story. In 2012, the university began using predictive analytics to track all students, monitoring 800 different risk factors for more than 40,000 students every day. Since then, the university has had 250,000 one-on-one meetings between advisers and students prompted by alerts generated by the system and 90,000 interventions based on those alerts. The university also introduced complementary programs, such as the Panther Retention Grants, which help prevent students from dropping out by providing financial assistance. As a result of these efforts, Georgia State has seen significant gains in graduation rates and the number of students completing their degrees. In particular, black, Hispanic, first-generation, and low-income students have graduated at rates equal to or above the overall student body, eliminating achievement gaps.
However, there are concerns about the potential downsides of using predictive analytics in higher education. Critics worry about the invasion of privacy and surveillance of students, as well as the potential for algorithms to reinforce historical inequities and unintentionally discourage students. Additionally, some students at Georgia State who were failing classes reported that they did not receive any alerts, raising questions about the effectiveness of the system.
While predictive analytics can be a powerful tool for improving graduation rates, it is important to consider the ethical implications and ensure that student privacy and equity are protected. Universities should also be transparent with students about the use of their data and the potential benefits and drawbacks of these systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities keep track of their students in various ways, including tracking attendance and monitoring student engagement. Some universities use technology such as Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi access points, and mobile apps to collect data on student attendance and location.
Universities use different methods to track student attendance, including traditional roll calls, QR codes, and modern mobile apps with features like geofencing and Bluetooth. Some universities also use fingerprint scanners, which are reliable but expensive to set up and maintain.
Universities track student data for various reasons, including enforcing attendance policies, conducting research, and improving graduation rates. For example, universities may use predictive analytics to identify students at risk of dropping out and provide support to help them stay on track. Additionally, universities may monitor student engagement to enhance the overall educational experience.
