School districts are working tirelessly to make the right decisions in the midst of a global pandemic. Should students be allowed back in schools? If so, what safety measures should be taken? One thing is for certain, this back to school season won't be like any we've seen. Keeping students and staff safe is everyone's number one priority. Here's how schools are using advanced technology solutions to effectively manage in-person classroom settings.

1. Thermal Scanning and Touchless Temperature Checks

The check-in process at schools will be critical in ensuring students exhibiting any common symptoms, such as elevated temperatures, do not come into contact with the school population. Thermal scanning cameras have been a highly sought after piece of equipment. This technology uses highly sensitive thermal and optical sensors, as well as algorithms to process video content. Smart thermal cameras are connected to dashboards and can alert necessary staff members in real time if elevated temperatures are detected.

If thermal cameras are not an option, many schools are opting for manually checking temperatures. However, this process is open to error, which in turn can lead to new infections. To reduce the risk, schools are looking for technology that reduces the need to touch another person or child. A popular option is using a tablet or monitor with a built-in temperature measuring application. Students can walk up to the monitor and the application will detect the temperature automatically. The temperature can then be noted by a supervisor.

2. Monitoring and Contact Tracing with Computer Vision

After the students and staff make it safely into the school building, it's important to make sure everyone continues following proper health and safety measures, such as staying 6 feet apart, wearing proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) like masks, and sanitizing and washing hands regularly. Unfortunately, it's impossible to expect one teacher to be able to monitor these protocols for each student at all times. What about students who travel through halls or common areas like gyms, libraries and lunchrooms? Smart cameras powered by artificial intelligence can help solve these concerns as a method for monitoring students when a teacher or supervisor may not always be able to. 

Installing smart cameras can also be an effective way to support contact tracing measures. If a student or faculty member does end up contracting COVID-19 and has been in contact with the school population, the smart cameras can identify that person and run a report on everywhere they've been and everyone that may have been at risk of exposure.

3. Push Notifications and 24/7 Access with Mobile Apps

With such heavy concerns on the health and safety of students, another role of schools and school districts is keeping a steady stream of updates to parents. A school-wide or district-wide mobile app can provide information to guardians in real time and offer many beneficial features.

Mobile App Features to Support Schools

• Push Notifications of Real Time Updates
• Self Certifications & Health Surveys 
• Chatbots to Provide Access to Resources 24/7