To ensure the safety of students when in-person instruction recommences this fall, Ohlone College in California will be implementing new technology in the fight against COVID-19.
The community college will be using the AXSIS™ Thermal Enabled Digital Hub, a contact-free thermal scanner that can reportedly speed up the process of checking people entering and leaving the campus.
Six units will be positioned in high-traffic areas inside the school to monitor the temperatures of students, faculty, and visitors.
Manufactured by Reality Interactive, the technology can also be integrated with door locks and has the ability to detect face masks.
“Prior to us having the device, we used a hand-held thermometer that forced us to move from behind the Plexi shield and come in closer contact with the employees and students,” Ohlone’s Vice President of Human Resources and Training Shairon Zingsheim said.
“The [AXSIS™] scanner is not only more efficient, but it is also safer for us to use,” she added.
Meanwhile, Reality Interactive Sales Director Mitch Debonville explained that the company is delighted with the initiative of the school to keep the campus safe from COVID-19.
She also revealed that the company provides other features for digital campus functions, which “will really open up opportunities” for the two campuses of Ohlone College.
US Universities Expecting Return to In-Person Classes
After a year of remote instruction, a growing number of universities in the country are aiming for a return to face-to-face classes in the fall semester.
Harvard University and the University of Connecticut are already planning to hold in-person classes this September, with health and safety being the highest priority.
The University of Wisconsin, University of Tennessee, Arizona State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of California are also shooting for a “more normal” fall semester.
However, American Council on Education Vice President Terry Hartle said that while in-person classes may resume this year, returning to normal will take many years.