Modular school computer system and method

Abstract

A local wireless device serves as a unique identifier for students and teachers in a school system. The school is equipped with multiple stationary hubs for tracking the location of students and teachers. The school may also be equipped with multiple mobile hubs, such as hand-held hubs and hubs on school buses, which allow easily and quickly determining if a student or teacher is where he or she should be. The local wireless device may be used in conjunction with a pager, mobile phone, a voicemail device, and devices for storing, reviewing and sending audio and video files. The preferred embodiments also include a single device that provides all of the above-mentioned functions. The preferred embodiments thus disclose many different wireless devices that are all integrated into the school's computer system to customize their function according to the needs of the school.

Description

PARENT APPLICATION [0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 124,885 having the same title as this patent application, which was filed on Apr. 18, 2002, and which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] This invention generally relates to computer systems, and more specifically relates to computer systems and associated wireless devices for use at schools and other educational facilities. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] One serious problem that faces school administrators is the task of keeping track of hundreds or thousands of students each day. Even in our current computer age, attendance records are typically kept manually on paper. The teacher must generally take the time to see who is present and who is absent, and record the attendance on a paper form. If a student comes to school late or leaves early, the student must check in or check out at the principal's office. Sometimes students are invo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] According to the preferred embodiments, a local wireless device serves as a unique identifier for students and teachers in a school system. The school is equipped with multiple stationary hubs for tracking the location of students and teachers. The school may also be equipped with multiple mobile hubs, such as hand-held hubs and hubs on school buses, which allow easily and quickly determining if a student or teacher is where he or she should be. The local wireless device may be used in conjunction with a pager, mobile phone, a voicemail device, and devices for storing, reviewing and sending audio and video files. The preferred embodiments also include a single device that provides all of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, a wireless display may be coupled to the local wireless device as needed. The function of these devices may be controlled according to the needs of the system. For example, some of the functions may be disabled during class periods, but enabled between classes. The preferred embodiments thus disclose many different wireless devices that are all integrated into the school's computer system to customize their function according to the needs of the school.

Problems solved by technology

One serious problem that faces school administrators is the task of keeping track of hundreds or thousands of students each day.

Sometimes students are involved in special programs, such as gifted programs and field trips, that cause the student to miss regular class activities.

Keeping track of who is at school and where they are is a formidable task.

Without a way to accurately track who is present and absent at school, present day school systems will continue to use archaic methods for tracking attendance and inefficient ways to determine whether all students and teachers are evacuated in the case of an emergency.

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