Why Districts are Falling Behind When it Comes to Technology Safety in Schools
Many schools throughout our nation are very familiar with technology. Students are connected to Google classroom; parents can access grades and see how their children are doing in class through PowerSchool; students often are given their own school Chromebook to do their homework and turn in assignments.
As a parent, I have often said, “Where are the school books that need book covers?” And my kids do what most teens do, “Dad, seriously? We just go online to access our books.”
Technology Safety In Schools: The Problem
There is no doubt that technology has changed the way schools teach and students learn. Yet, amid all this impressive technology, many schools still use antiquated safety procedures to try and keep their students safe.
As we near the beginning of a New Year, it is amazing to me that schools still use single cameras and a simple buzzer entry system to secure their buildings.
Even metal detectors have become antiquated along with their draining of human resources and their capacity to create an environment that is detrimental to learning while providing far less security than one would anticipate.
It is imperative that technology safety in schools is utilized to help secure buildings and bring some peace of mind to staff, educators, and students.
One of the main components in utilizing technology for school safety is an Integrated Visitor Management System (VMS).
A Visitor Management System:
Has defined access controls based on the type of visitor.
Integrates background checks that can be defined by the type of visitor.
Has the capability to manage excluded parties and flag them if they try to enter.
Must be cloud-based, as well as work on cellular or separate Wi-Fi networks (school networks are often blocked during an event).
Integrates with student information systems and check-in kiosk for scan-in/scan-out and authentication verification for government ID’s
Offers continuous background checks and arrest-alerts in real-time for Volunteers and Employees so if they are arrested for a prohibitive crime you will be notified in real-time.
Offers geofencing capabilities to set parameters that control access.
Expedites getting students to parents/guardians quickly and ensure their release to no one other than parents/guardians.
Has Emergency/Denial notification buttons.
Integrates with crisis management systems to create a 360-security solution.
Make no mistake, technology safety in schools is a key factor in helping to prevent tragedies like Newtown, Parkland, Santa Fe, and so many others from happening at all – or at least reducing the number of tragedies and threats of violence from occurring daily.
For more on how Safe Hiring Solutions can make your school safer with technology, click here.
