[vimeo 90013859 w=580&h=370]
The system iBeacons of those in Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), was initially presented as a method to help stores promote their products to users using their applications, but here it can be used for completely different purposes. A new application called BeHere was developed with teachers in schools and colleges in mind, allowing them to keep records of students using iBeacons. Using technology Bluetooth, the application keeps track of all the students who enter the class, the teachers knowing who is present and who is absent.
BeHere is an App developed in order to help organize attendance and help requests within 2.0 learning environments. Using proximity, teachers can automatically identify which students are accessing the classroom, and easily manage help requests using an ordered line, always up-to-date. Same App will work as a teacher when installed on iPads, and as a student when installed on iPod Touches or iPhones. Internet connection is required.
The teachers have an administration application that has registered all the students' iDevices with their names and an attached photo, allowing a long record of attendance at class hours to be kept. Apart from keeping records, the application offers pupils/students the opportunity to ask the teacher for help by simply pressing a button, the teacher's application recording all requests and arranging them in order to simplify the procedure for helping students.
The company developing the application is testing the system in several US colleges and if the tests are successful, then it will be implemented on a large scale in a larger number of educational units. The idea behind the whole system is extremely interesting and shows the innovative way in which iBeacons can be used to help students and teachers, but it remains to be seen if it will be well received by everyone.
