Overview

Students worked with the schools administration and staff to create an electronic hall pass that would log student’s departures and returns to classes. This system would focus on student safety by assisting administration/staff in monitoring the whereabouts of students at any point in time.

Project Initiation

The students developed the concept for this project after a series of school hour vandalisms caused extensive destruction to school property. Having already been introduced to newly implemented safety measures at the beginning of the year that secured the campus for student safety, the design team believed their project could tie together school security and student monitoring which would enhance student safety. The students approached the administration for approval and support of the project.

Project Exploration and Development

The students started by collecting marketing data from school staff on whether an electronic hall monitor would solve the problem they were addressing, if teachers would use it, and what features could be useful. In the second phase the students researched types of devices and software that were currently available to record movement into and out of buildings, along with the availability, cost, ease of use, and what was recorded. While constructing their prototype they frequently checked with the administration on expectations. It also became necessary to consult with an engineer on software modifications. The students learned how to communicate with clients, work with vendors, ask questions from industry professionals, meet deadlines, compromise on design aspects, and work as a team.

Project Revision and Exhibition

As students presented their first prototype to the administration it became clear that many modifications would need to occur. To keep costs down the design team had assumed that it would be possible to attach the device to the teachers computers through the USB port. The administration pointed out several reasons why this wasn’t feasible including student privacy and inconveniencing the teachers. The students were looking into alternatives when the schools were shut down.

Teachers and Subjects

Kathy Schulze - Engineering and Architecture