I’m looking for an automated way to solve two issues:
Students are taking too many and too long bathroom breaks.
Managing group project passes, including listing gear, group members, and their project location on campus.
I’m thinking of using two different colored laminated lanyard passes: one for bathroom breaks and one for group projects. Each pass would have a QR code on the back that any admin, teacher, or student could scan to see the relevant information.
Bathroom Passes: Students would ask to use the bathroom, take the pass, and scan it at a computer with a webcam and touchscreen to input their student ID. They would scan the QR code again when they return, recording their in and out times. Any staff member could scan the pass to check how long a student has been out of class.
Group Project Passes: Teachers could quickly input the necessary information using a tablet’s touchscreen, and then hand out the passes to the students.
If anyone has a simpler automated solution, I’d love to hear it. If the above system seems like the best option, what app would you recommend for creating the touchscreen form and database? Does a QR code/access pass solution like this already exist or could be repurposed?
We use eHallpass. Admin can set pass limits for entire school and for individuals. Will give report on how many times students leave the class and how long they were out for. All done in a browser and students can fill out the pass, give iPad/Chromebook to teacher, if they approve it all they need to do is put in their teacher code and away the student goes
My school uses SmartPass for bathroom, nurse, office, and counseling passes. We started using it 2yrs ago. The students don’t like it, but the teachers are on board. You can set a time limit for each pass, and admin can set up encounter preventions for students who often meet up in the hallway. It also integrates with Clever.
I’ve seen something similar done with Google Forms and Sheets, but it can be a bit clunky. I’m not sure about the QR scanning, but you could have students input their ID number into the form to record when they leave and return. However, you should really look into Securly (formerly eHallpass). It’s a paid service, but it’s a great program that can help manage situations like this effectively. I believe they do have an option for student ID/pass scanning.
I use a QR code for bathroom sign-out. The QR code is posted by the door, and students scan it, which takes them to a Google Form where they just enter their names. The data goes to a Google Sheet.
I occasionally clean up the data, like when students enter different versions of their names (e.g., Chris one day and Christopher the next). I then compile the results into a graph to make them easier to read.
If a student leaves without scanning out, they get a 1-week bathroom ban. The next time, it’s a 3-week ban.
I set up a QR code that links to a Google Form where students enter their name, period, and destination. They scan the code, type in the information, place their phone back in the clear shoe holder by the door (where phones are kept when they enter the room), and then go to the restroom. The data is instantly sent to a Google spreadsheet, allowing me to track frequent users and spot patterns.
We started using the trial version halfway through last year, and it was pretty good, even though there were a few kinks to work out (which is expected with a trial version for the entire school). This year, we actually purchased it, and I’m excited to use it (I can’t believe I’m saying that about bathroom usage). But we had so many issues last year that we had to do something, and this system really helped cut those down!