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Biometrics in tertiary education
FEATURE
Biometrics in tertiary education Sid Spalding, DRS Data Services Sid Spalding
Biometric technology has been used in education establishments since the beginning of the 21st Century to address truancy, replace library cards and to pay for meals. While the debate around biometrics in schools continues in the UK, with the Lib-Con coalition government pledging to outlaw the fingerprinting of children at school without parental permission in its list of civil liberty reforms, the use of biometrics in the tertiary education sector is increasing. Roehampton University led the higher education sector in this area, back in 2009, by implementing a biometric electronic registration solution that dramatically improved its registration and attendance process, ensuring it has instant, accurate and consistent data that monitors student whereabouts. Now thousands of institutions are monitoring student attendance and tracking truancy using biometric scanning technologies. These systems generate real-time attendance data providing a crucial insight into student behaviour. Adopting this approach enables staff to frequently collect and analyse data to identify causes and patterns of absence and analyse the link between an individual’s attendance and attainment. It also allows the college or university to benchmark absence against year groups or groups of individuals and can determine the whereabouts of students at any given time.
“Thousands of institutions are monitoring student attendance and tracking truancy using biometric scanning technologies. These systems generate real-time attendance data providing a crucial insight into student behaviour” Biometric electronic registration solutions can encourage students to take responsibility and accountability for their own attendance, as well as reducing the administrative burden for college and university staff. They have also been an effective way to monitor EMA, a student support payment for students with low family incomes paid in the UK based on attendance and attainment which is set to be phased out in September 2011, unauthorised student absences and missed expected con8
Biometric Technology Today
tacts without the risk of ‘identity swapping’ between students. An independent study conducted by the Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) of the University of Warwick showed that electronic registration, when used to its full potential, can significantly reduce levels of truancy within the first two years of implementation.
Fingertip recognition Biometric systems currently used in education establishments are based on fingertip recognition technology. Despite reports, this does not involve storing images of fingerprints. Instead a numerical value is derived from the student’s fingertip when it is first placed on the reading device. This numerical value is then stored. Each time the student’s fingertip is subsequently reread, a numerical value is again generated. This is compared with the set of stored values, uniquely identifying the student within the population of the college or university if a match is found.
“Biometric systems currently used in education establishments are based on fingertip recognition technology. Despite reports, this does not involve storing images of fingerprints” In line with advice given by BECTA (the UK government agency responsible for the use of technology through learning, which closed on 31 January 2011), the image of the fingertip is neither stored by the system nor used. In effect, the fingertip is being used as the equivalent of a barcode. This template cannot be used to reconstitute the fingerprint itself – the template is a form of one-way encryption. The template database
is itself in binary file and the system subject to normal security access restrictions.
Overseas student retention Biometric electronic registration solutions are particularly useful when monitoring the attendance of overseas students studying in UK universities and colleges on a Tier 4 visa.
“It is important that students have a choice about using biometric technologies. It’s an emotive issue and therefore, should be a matter of choice” The Tier 4 student visa service offers overseas students the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications from reputable and government approved universities and colleges in the UK. It is a Home Office requirement that all approved colleges and universities report any unauthorised Tier 4 student absences and missed expected contacts. Biometric electronic registration systems monitor and electronically record student attendance accurately, efficiently and in real-time, therefore helping these establishments to comply with Home Office regulations. Biometric electronic registration solutions also provide an effective way to track and monitor attendance for students attending and learning at more than one institution, whether it is a college, university or work based learning (WBL) provider. It is important, however that students have a choice about using biometric technologies. It’s an emotive issue and therefore, should be a matter of choice. For this reason, an alternative identification mechanism such as card or PIN is always offered for those wishing to opt out of using biometric fingertip technology.
Solutions for security One of the greatest challenges for any tertiary education establishment is balancing the need to
May 2011
FEATURE
Barnet College led the way in biometric access control.
create an open and stimulating environment that encourages learning, whilst ensuring that the students, staff and equipment within are protected. Traditional mortice locks allow the buildings to be secured, but when keys are lost or stolen the inconvenience and expense of changing locks and re-issuing keys can be considerable. Keys may also be copied, creating even more security risks. Biometric electronic access control offers flexible control over users’ access rights. For example, all students can gain access through the main door of a building, but access to internal areas may be restricted to those who have a specific need to be there. Access may also be restricted by time, only granting access to particular users at certain times of day or night.
“Biometric electronic access control offers flexible control over users’ access rights” Barnet College led the way in this field, becoming one of the first further education establishments to implement a biometric access control system at their Graham Park campus, improving security. The system was also installed at the brand new Wood Street campus as part of its build. The college now also uses biometric technology to manage registration and attendance, capturing approximately 27,000 marks a week from a weekly total of 39,000 from 6,200 students. A total of nine departments are using the system.
May 2011
Tracey McIntosh, director of planning and performance at Barnet College, says: “As a result of the electronic registration system we have streamlined the process of registering students, doing away with manual recording with all its problems of accuracy and timeliness, and tutors are able to concentrate on delivering teaching rather than spending time collecting attendances. “Monitoring student attendance is more efficient since the information is up to date. We are now able to make rapid assessments of attendance and follow-up accordingly to punctuality issues with absence management.” Further enhancement to the system means that Barnet College tutors can now see a picture of the student onscreen and can add real-time comments to let other staff members know if there have been any issues or if the student has left a lesson for any reason.
Northampton College Northampton College is also implementing an electronic registration system, at its Booth Lane and Lower Mounts campuses, as part of the college’s plans to provide a modern, fit for purpose learning environment for the local community that will help maximise participation and achievement and contribute to the necessary skills development in the town and county. The system has been installed after securing approval from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) to transform the college’s two sites in Northampton and the students will start using it as soon as the building is handed over from the contractor. As one of the larger general further education colleges in its region, Northampton College offers a broad range of full-time and part-time SFAfunded courses. In addition, it provides higher education courses funded through the University of Northampton. The college has around 4,000 full-time 16-19 students across all of its campuses.
Biometrics replacing cards Anecdotal research carried out at BETT 2011, the major international educational technology event found that there has been a significant increase in the acceptance, and uptake of, biometric registration systems in the UK education sector.
Whereas two years ago the majority of installations were card based, the majority of new installations are now biometric. Some 80% of all registration solutions sold today come with biometrics. This trend is not only evident in student attendance systems but in the registration of all aspects of the education establishment – from access control, cashless catering, smart copiers, library systems and locker control to SMS to students, examination candidate verification and staff attendance. The ultimate aim is to manage all applications by just one registration. One of the main applications that has driven the biometrics trend in education is cashless catering. The use of cards had already achieved great results in the prevention of bullying, as students on assisted lunches could not be distinguished from other students. Cards however, can be expensive where loss and replacement rates are high and where there are noticeable instances of them being shared among students. In these areas biometric systems provide a more cost effective, controlled solution.
“Whereas two years ago the majority of installations were card based, the majority of new installations are now biometric. Some 80% of all registration solutions sold today come with biometrics” Most registration systems today offer a range of options that include card and PIN, as well as biometrics, to ensure the education establishment and student has the maximum level of choice. Although funding cuts in the UK will affect the implementation of new technologies, the benefits of biometrics will ensure its continued growth in the tertiary education sector.
About the author Sid Spalding is general manager for education at DRS Data Services. Sid Spalding is also responsible for managing the development of international education business. He has been with DRS for five years. A qualified engineer, he now specialises in examinations and assessment.
Biometric Technology Today
9
Biometrics in tertiary education Sid Spalding, DRS Data Services Sid Spalding
Biometric technology has been used in education establishments since the beginning of the 21st Century to address truancy, replace library cards and to pay for meals. While the debate around biometrics in schools continues in the UK, with the Lib-Con coalition government pledging to outlaw the fingerprinting of children at school without parental permission in its list of civil liberty reforms, the use of biometrics in the tertiary education sector is increasing. Roehampton University led the higher education sector in this area, back in 2009, by implementing a biometric electronic registration solution that dramatically improved its registration and attendance process, ensuring it has instant, accurate and consistent data that monitors student whereabouts. Now thousands of institutions are monitoring student attendance and tracking truancy using biometric scanning technologies. These systems generate real-time attendance data providing a crucial insight into student behaviour. Adopting this approach enables staff to frequently collect and analyse data to identify causes and patterns of absence and analyse the link between an individual’s attendance and attainment. It also allows the college or university to benchmark absence against year groups or groups of individuals and can determine the whereabouts of students at any given time.
“Thousands of institutions are monitoring student attendance and tracking truancy using biometric scanning technologies. These systems generate real-time attendance data providing a crucial insight into student behaviour” Biometric electronic registration solutions can encourage students to take responsibility and accountability for their own attendance, as well as reducing the administrative burden for college and university staff. They have also been an effective way to monitor EMA, a student support payment for students with low family incomes paid in the UK based on attendance and attainment which is set to be phased out in September 2011, unauthorised student absences and missed expected con8
Biometric Technology Today
tacts without the risk of ‘identity swapping’ between students. An independent study conducted by the Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) of the University of Warwick showed that electronic registration, when used to its full potential, can significantly reduce levels of truancy within the first two years of implementation.
Fingertip recognition Biometric systems currently used in education establishments are based on fingertip recognition technology. Despite reports, this does not involve storing images of fingerprints. Instead a numerical value is derived from the student’s fingertip when it is first placed on the reading device. This numerical value is then stored. Each time the student’s fingertip is subsequently reread, a numerical value is again generated. This is compared with the set of stored values, uniquely identifying the student within the population of the college or university if a match is found.
“Biometric systems currently used in education establishments are based on fingertip recognition technology. Despite reports, this does not involve storing images of fingerprints” In line with advice given by BECTA (the UK government agency responsible for the use of technology through learning, which closed on 31 January 2011), the image of the fingertip is neither stored by the system nor used. In effect, the fingertip is being used as the equivalent of a barcode. This template cannot be used to reconstitute the fingerprint itself – the template is a form of one-way encryption. The template database
is itself in binary file and the system subject to normal security access restrictions.
Overseas student retention Biometric electronic registration solutions are particularly useful when monitoring the attendance of overseas students studying in UK universities and colleges on a Tier 4 visa.
“It is important that students have a choice about using biometric technologies. It’s an emotive issue and therefore, should be a matter of choice” The Tier 4 student visa service offers overseas students the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications from reputable and government approved universities and colleges in the UK. It is a Home Office requirement that all approved colleges and universities report any unauthorised Tier 4 student absences and missed expected contacts. Biometric electronic registration systems monitor and electronically record student attendance accurately, efficiently and in real-time, therefore helping these establishments to comply with Home Office regulations. Biometric electronic registration solutions also provide an effective way to track and monitor attendance for students attending and learning at more than one institution, whether it is a college, university or work based learning (WBL) provider. It is important, however that students have a choice about using biometric technologies. It’s an emotive issue and therefore, should be a matter of choice. For this reason, an alternative identification mechanism such as card or PIN is always offered for those wishing to opt out of using biometric fingertip technology.
Solutions for security One of the greatest challenges for any tertiary education establishment is balancing the need to
May 2011
FEATURE
Barnet College led the way in biometric access control.
create an open and stimulating environment that encourages learning, whilst ensuring that the students, staff and equipment within are protected. Traditional mortice locks allow the buildings to be secured, but when keys are lost or stolen the inconvenience and expense of changing locks and re-issuing keys can be considerable. Keys may also be copied, creating even more security risks. Biometric electronic access control offers flexible control over users’ access rights. For example, all students can gain access through the main door of a building, but access to internal areas may be restricted to those who have a specific need to be there. Access may also be restricted by time, only granting access to particular users at certain times of day or night.
“Biometric electronic access control offers flexible control over users’ access rights” Barnet College led the way in this field, becoming one of the first further education establishments to implement a biometric access control system at their Graham Park campus, improving security. The system was also installed at the brand new Wood Street campus as part of its build. The college now also uses biometric technology to manage registration and attendance, capturing approximately 27,000 marks a week from a weekly total of 39,000 from 6,200 students. A total of nine departments are using the system.
May 2011
Tracey McIntosh, director of planning and performance at Barnet College, says: “As a result of the electronic registration system we have streamlined the process of registering students, doing away with manual recording with all its problems of accuracy and timeliness, and tutors are able to concentrate on delivering teaching rather than spending time collecting attendances. “Monitoring student attendance is more efficient since the information is up to date. We are now able to make rapid assessments of attendance and follow-up accordingly to punctuality issues with absence management.” Further enhancement to the system means that Barnet College tutors can now see a picture of the student onscreen and can add real-time comments to let other staff members know if there have been any issues or if the student has left a lesson for any reason.
Northampton College Northampton College is also implementing an electronic registration system, at its Booth Lane and Lower Mounts campuses, as part of the college’s plans to provide a modern, fit for purpose learning environment for the local community that will help maximise participation and achievement and contribute to the necessary skills development in the town and county. The system has been installed after securing approval from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) to transform the college’s two sites in Northampton and the students will start using it as soon as the building is handed over from the contractor. As one of the larger general further education colleges in its region, Northampton College offers a broad range of full-time and part-time SFAfunded courses. In addition, it provides higher education courses funded through the University of Northampton. The college has around 4,000 full-time 16-19 students across all of its campuses.
Biometrics replacing cards Anecdotal research carried out at BETT 2011, the major international educational technology event found that there has been a significant increase in the acceptance, and uptake of, biometric registration systems in the UK education sector.
Whereas two years ago the majority of installations were card based, the majority of new installations are now biometric. Some 80% of all registration solutions sold today come with biometrics. This trend is not only evident in student attendance systems but in the registration of all aspects of the education establishment – from access control, cashless catering, smart copiers, library systems and locker control to SMS to students, examination candidate verification and staff attendance. The ultimate aim is to manage all applications by just one registration. One of the main applications that has driven the biometrics trend in education is cashless catering. The use of cards had already achieved great results in the prevention of bullying, as students on assisted lunches could not be distinguished from other students. Cards however, can be expensive where loss and replacement rates are high and where there are noticeable instances of them being shared among students. In these areas biometric systems provide a more cost effective, controlled solution.
“Whereas two years ago the majority of installations were card based, the majority of new installations are now biometric. Some 80% of all registration solutions sold today come with biometrics” Most registration systems today offer a range of options that include card and PIN, as well as biometrics, to ensure the education establishment and student has the maximum level of choice. Although funding cuts in the UK will affect the implementation of new technologies, the benefits of biometrics will ensure its continued growth in the tertiary education sector.
About the author Sid Spalding is general manager for education at DRS Data Services
Biometric Technology Today
9