Radio Tracking Everywhere
This is one of those “So where will THIS lead?” stories. Technology manufacturers have developed tiny chips called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. They broadcast to nearby radio receivers, providing their location and identity. The chips are so small and inexpensive that they can be embedded in products ranging from cereal boxes to clothing, and used for inventory. Theoretically, you’ll be able to wheel your shopping cart right up to the register and get an immediate total for checkout - no more scanning!
Walmart announced last week that they were requiring their top 100 suppliers to have RFID tags on their products in two years. Microsoft today announced today that they will develop software to support the use of the tags in inventory and management (http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-1015058.html?tag=fdfeed).
I think we’ll have school applications almost immediately. You could embed the chips in student ID cards, and track the students (or their cards, anyway) everywhere in school. Every item of any value in the school could be tagged and linked into the security system. Students could check out books or charge lunches by just picking them up and walking past the radio receiver.
On the other hand, having computers track a students’ every move seems just a bit creepy to me. And what about when they start tracking the staff? Do I really want my every move all day recorded for perusal? (”Well, Conn, according to your tracking records, you made five trips to the coffee maker today. Are you developing a caffeine dependency? Do we need to consider an intervention?”)