InitializationWhen students arrive at school they approach a series of bins containing the wearables, with a large touch screen. They select their grade, then name, and once selected they pick up a wearable and scan it on a small NFC scanner. This initializes the device and attaches it to that student for the day, as well as syncing the specific settings for that student. Student data is annonymized and encrypted, and only the school has the encryption key.
|
Attendance automationOnce the device has been initialized for the day, it is clipped to the clothing of that student. As they begin to make their way to class it registers their presence by sensing proximity to each electronic beacons in each classroom. When a student walks into class they’re registered instantly into the database as present or late. and are otherwise absent.
|
Unobtrusive requestsIf students need to leave the class for some reason (drink of water, bathroom, get supplies, etc), then they can engage a button to silently and remotely ask for permission with minimal disruption to the teacher. The teacher can then approve or deny the request when time permits. There are customizable limits of how long until the student can request another leave. If a student leaves without approval the device beeps and will alert the office or appropriate administration.
|
Easy leave approvalThe devices are then permitted to leave the class for a time before they’re reminded to return to class with a subtle vibration or beep. This can be customized for different age groups and development levels so as to encourage and build self regulation in students who get sidetracked. Those settings are set for the student, and are imported upon morning check-in with the device.
|
Phone uptime trackingOne of the major distractions in school is student phones and their lack of self-regulation. Focal Ed allows parents to have the option of pairing their child’s cellphone with the wearable, and at intervals during the day it retrieves the screen time data to the device. Reports are then generated and can be compared with school and grade averages.
|
Location trackingThe device pings with access points at preset intervals to generate a heat map of where students spend their time in class and during breaks. This could be used to help administration solve student issues like bullying or even where pockets of students spend their time. Students with significant intellectual challenges could be afforded more freedom with location tracking.
|
Engage parentsIf preferred, parent/guardians can elect to have a daily, weekly, or biweekly report outlining the data gathered. Information on attendance, time spent out of class, location heat map, leave requests, and phone uptime can all be included. If any of the data is starting to trend in one direction or another they can access these graphs as well.
|
Analytics for planningThe data gathered on attendance, in-class leave and help requests, and phone up-time can be aggregated and collated for instructional planning purposes by administration. They can see which students are more predisposed to needing help, or leaving class, and can set timetables and class composition accordingly.
|