AM/PM marks are logged on a
piece of paper by the form tutor
Advantages
Paper-based methods are not reliant on
computer networks if the computer networks
are unavaliable.
Disadvantages
If left unattended, students can change
their marks. Their mistakes are often
difficult or untidy to change.
keyboard entry
marks are typed into the computer by the form
tutor. marks are stored on a central server.
Advantages
it is much easier to produce attendance statistics. There is
no need to return paper registsers to an attendance office
Disadvantages
Teachers are still required to
register each pupil rather than the
pupils registering themselves
optical mark recognition
Form teachers log whether pupils are present
by shading a box...
Advantages
A lot of multiple-choice tests are marked using
OMR, so the initial cost of purchasing an OMR
reader may provide more value for money.
Disadvantages
Registers are batch-processed so they are not
"live" or "real-time": some latecomers would not
be registered if they arrived late.
Smart cards
Advantages
Smarts cards hold more data than swipe cards so they can
provide multiple functions: they can act as payment cards
in canteens or record library loans.
Disadvantages
There cards contain computer chips and can hold
more information than magnetic strips. They are
placed into card readers as pupils arrive.