There is no question that the current pandemic has changed the face of education at all levels. Even once the virus subsides and it is “safe” to resume life before Coronavirus, there have been many irreversible changes to the system and every school around the world, not just the nation. Campus Technology has long been a key part of delivering instruction and ensuring campus security. Let’s look at how it has been transformed in these turbulent times.
Mass Alert Systems are More Functional
Emergency notification systems have long been a tool in the arsenal of campuses around the country. They are immensely important for announcing closures due to weather or other random events out of human control – or in some cases, within human control but left unchecked. All that aside, mass alert systems have become more functional than ever before. Now, all campus community members can be alerted when COVID safety protocols change whether or not a facility needs to close. These systems can also be used on a one-to-one basis to convey the information discovered by contact tracing – and when someone has to self-quarantine just to be on the safe side.
Mobile Access Control Will Be Instrumental
Implementing mobile access control will undoubtedly remain a challenge, especially for smaller schools and schools in rural areas. Phone apps will be used to gain access to different buildings on campus, theoretically to help reduce touchpoints. Controlling virus outbreaks will also be much simpler since the apps can relay data that will make contact tracing easier.
Self-Screening Questions Also Matter
While students, staff, and faculty will likely find answering self-screening questions tedious, time-consuming, and inconvenient, this doesn’t change the fact that they are supremely important. Now more than ever, it is important for anyone who is feeling unwell to stay away from campus. The advent of better campus technology can facilitate that endeavor.
Digital Visitor Reporting Can Help As Well
Every school, no matter their size, is obligated to monitor who is on campus. All visitors need to be tracked although this is likely easier to do in K-12 schools and not on college campuses or university grounds. Delivery personnel and facility management contractors still need to be able to come and go as necessary, even if other visitors are going to be somewhat restricted nowadays.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design through to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions. Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!