JCA rolls out new, convenient RFID scanning
JCA rolls out new, convenient RFID scanning
| Juan Gabriel Zapanta
To enhance campus security and streamline daily operations, JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA) officially launched its modern Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) on its first day of school yesterday, marking a shift in its attendance system.
Proposed by the discipline prefect, Ms. Lourdes Borromeo, last year, RFID will replace traditional manual logbooks with digital, tap-and-go scanning, providing efficient recording, added security, and enhanced communication by informing parents and guardians of their child or children’s arrival and departure times through automated text.
“I decided to propose this RFID for a better monitoring of students’ attendance,” said Ms. Borromeo.
A notable difference between RFID scanning and manual attendance is that parents and guardians receive a text message on their child’s arrival and departure time after the record of their time in/out—a new function that hasn’t been used in the school’s history.
“It ensures accurate and efficient attendance monitoring, minimizing errors in recording students’ presence,” Ms. Borromeo added.
She added that this implementation will provide peace of mind to parents and guardians, assuring them that their child has safely arrived and left the school premises at the appropriate time.
How does the new system work?
The system uses radio waves to identify objects such as student IDs, each having its own RFID tags attached that store the personal data of the bearer. The student’s ID will be used to tap against the fixed RFID reader near the gate.
Once a student taps the reader, it records their arrival and departure time, and their name and photo, which appear on the monitors of school and faculty staff for one to two seconds.
According to Ms. Borromeo, it is a security measure to ensure efficient monitoring while maintaining the privacy of the student’s personal information.
Class advisers will be required to monitor the attendance records of their students according to this new system, and students are required to always bring their ID for attendance.
Response from students and parents
Students so far have been positive about this implementation, with the common agreement being that it is beneficial to the school.
“For me, as a student, I think that the new RFID system is a great addition to our school community since it provides better security for the students. It’s important that the school and the parents are constantly aware of the students’ activities, which is why I believe that many will benefit from this new system,” said grade 10 student Ioanes Phil Ligaray.
Parents also have a positive reception of the system, with the majority of parents being glad of the enhanced security and communication the system provides. One anonymous parent has come out in favor of RFID, stating she is glad a system that assures them of their child’s attendance and presence is being implemented, and hopes the school continues to foster student security and clarity with family.
“I think the implementation of RFID is a great decision coming from JCA, because parents like me may get informed and be assured of their children’s attendance and behavior, and I also think it’ll have a great effect on the school’s security and its communication with students and family.”
JCA aims to continue its efforts on this system, which will not just be an attendance logger, but also the school’s safeguard and communications.