Blog: Advice

Since we're in a highly technological era, constantly developing as more ideas flourish by innovators, it's important to integrate new media into our institution and education. 

Something that's quite prevalent is the use of mobile apps by students for convenience. There are plenty of apps out there that allow students to create their own schedules with the times and dates and input their assignments and due dates. However, there are plenty of students who don't want to bother inputting every time stamp and having to add in every future assignment listed in their syllabus. In addition, it is time-consuming to input all the future homework and class information into an app and even more aggravating when the app turns out to be a complete flop after using it for a few days.

What I propose is an app made by Baruch that is specifically catered to the institution's system of communicating classes. The app can allow for widgets on the screen to make it easier for students to take a quick look to check for their room numbers and time stamps. In addition, alarms should be added to the app — for when to wake up for specific classes.

Standard things like a calendar view and homework tabs are expected. However, Baruch can also have the ability to use the said app to communicate certain important dates like "No school" or a holiday off. Students can have a choice of filtering content they receive from Baruch if need be.

Although it's a lot to ask for an app, this type of service that allows for major convenience (IF executed properly) is the type of thing an institution needs to do if it wants to keep up with technology and cater to its students. 

Another thing I find is the ID process. Swiping in is nice and all but before swiping in, the student or teacher often has to take out the ID card itself. When someone's hands are full, it might be a hassle to take their ID card out of their wallet, phone case, or backpack. I propose changing the card system so that instead of having to swipe in, the user need only press their ID card against a flat sensor. Think of card processing systems like PATH train where they integrate that sort of system for their riders. It's very convenient and much less of a hassle than fumbling through your pockets to get a card out before you lag the flow of people passing through. 

Although both suggestions may be highly expensive, most implementations of new systems are expensive, so it is to be expected. These are certainly improvements that can be made in the institution but are not necessary. I think most of my grievances in regards to outdated systems are not to Baruch itself but the services it's associated with — mainly Connect and SmartBook (although they're both under the same company, they come in different apps). 

There seems to be this trend of terribly made school apps intended for the "convenience" for the student when all it does is cause more problems compared to the browser alternative. My general advice for those two applications (available on both the Apple App Store and Android Store) is to revamp their mobile apps and really read through the critiques in the reviews and actually test their product themselves for a good week before publishing something so shabby.