Student tracking is often considered a highly controversial issue, especially when implemented along bus routes where students are perceived to be at higher risk than on a school campus. The problem is most of the controversy comes entirely from misunderstandings on how these systems work and the amount of safety precautions put into place before the technology is put in use.
Sonia Mastros recently discussed the most common myths about student GPS tracking and how the misunderstandings are actually leaving students at higher risk compared to those adopting the tracking technology. Let’s take a look at some of the supposed risks of student tracking and bust some myths.
1) GPS Tracking Puts Students At Risk
Many parents are concerned that schools are putting students at risk by leaving information about student locations and identity wide out in the open, but the truth is that it is not nearly as easy to gain access to that type of information as they fear. RFID technology has been around for decades and is still trusted for its low cost, reliability, and security.
When these chips are used for tracking within school systems, the microchip doesn’t hold any personal information except a student identification number. That means the only people who can locate or identify a student are parents and school administrators.
2) Student Tracking Is Too Limited To Be Useful
The ID cards that student tracking software relies on are already widely in use within most school districts. They allow students to check out library books and materials, pay for lunch, or even verify test takers. Not only does combining all of these efforts into one card make everything run more smoothly, they save money and resources along the way.
3. GPS Tracking Is Reminiscent of “Big Brother”
Student GPS tracking may sound like an invasion of privacy to some parents, but it is important to remember the ID chips contain no personal information about a student. By limiting the amount of information transmitted, it allows parents or guardians to be able to locate their child at any time while preventing others from gaining access to the information.
4. Student Tracking is Expensive
This couldn’t be further from the truth. RFID chips literally cost pennies a piece, while the student ID cards are affordable and are likely already administered to students. Out of all new student safety strategies, using RFID chips to track students is significantly cheaper and more practical than nearly any other in the field.
