Not too long ago, I blogged about a couple of news articles that I read regarding the use of QR Codes on gravestones. Strange, huh? Well, now I’ve stumbled across another unusual use of tracking technology in an article entitled, “School Uses ID Chips to Track Student Locations.” The article I read addresses the use of RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips, rather than QR codes, but still, the idea is pretty much the same.
Now, I’ve heard about tracking all sorts of things using barcode and RFID technology – from food and beverages to store inventory and freight, and even cattle. But actual, real-life people? This story is certainly stirring the pot with all sorts of controversy! Here’s a quick summary of what I discovered.
In San Antonio, Texas, some schools recently launched the Student Locator Project to track the location of students using RFID chips on student ID tags. These chips apparently send out live signals to alert school personnel to the exact location of any student on school property – right down to where the students are sitting. Students need to wear the tags around their necks at all times while they are at school. Without the tags, students are unable to purchase lunch in the school cafeteria, check out library books, and even participate in extracurricular activities.
Not surprisingly, some students and parents are upset about this new tracking method, claiming that it is an invasion of student privacy. The school district, on the other hand, claims that this technology will help keep students safe and improve truancy rates.
RFID is definitely “up and coming” technology, but is it appropriate to use for tracking people? Is this an unnecessary invasion of privacy or an innovative way to improve school attendance and safety? What do you think? Please comment below.
If you’d like to learn more about what RFID technology actually is, you may be interested in this article on RFID tracking solution. It cleared up a lot of my questions!