CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Attendance tracking is a crucial aspect of educational institutions as it helps monitor student

attendance, ensure academic accountability, and identify patterns of absenteeism. Traditional
manual attendance systems have limitations such as time-consuming processes, errors in data
entry, and potential manipulations. To address these challenges, the background study on the
design and implementation of an Android-based Students Attendance System using biometric
technology explores the integration of biometrics and mobile technology to create an efficient and
accurate attendance tracking solution.

The widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile applications has transformed various
industries, including education. Educational institutions are increasingly leveraging mobile
technology to streamline processes and enhance communication between students, teachers, and
administrators. Biometric technology, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, has evolved
significantly in recent years. Biometrics offer reliable and secure identification methods, reducing
the chances of attendance manipulation and improving accuracy.

Maintaining accurate attendance records is essential for educational institutions to monitor student
progress, eligibility for examinations, and adherence to attendance policies. Manual attendance
tracking can be prone to errors, leading to inaccurate records and challenges in evaluating student
performance. An Android-based Students Attendance System provides real-time updates on
student attendance. This allows teachers and administrators to access attendance records instantly,
making it easier to identify absenteeism and take appropriate actions promptly.

Automated Reporting and Analytics: The system enables automated attendance reporting and
analytics. This data can be used to generate insights into student attendance patterns, identify
trends, and implement strategies to improve attendance rates. Integrating biometric technology
into the attendance system eliminates the need for manual roll calls or sign-ins. Students can simply
use their biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to mark their attendance
accurately.

The use of biometrics enables contactless attendance marking, which is especially relevant in the
context of health and safety considerations, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biometric
data is encrypted and securely stored, ensuring the privacy and protection of student information.
These fosters trust among students, parents, and educational institutions in using the attendance
system.

The Android-based system provides students with a convenient and modern way to mark their
attendance. This engagement can promote a sense of responsibility and accountability for their
academic commitment. The implementation of an Android-based Students Attendance System
exemplifies the digital transformation in education, as institutions embrace technology to
streamline processes and enhance the overall learning experience.

The background study on the design and implementation of an Android-based Students Attendance
System using biometric technology highlights the benefits of mobile technology and biometrics in
revolutionizing attendance tracking in educational institutions. The system offers efficiency,
accuracy, data security, and real-time updates, contributing to improved student engagement,
academic accountability, and streamlined administrative processes. By leveraging mobile and
biometric advancements, the system fosters a more technologically-driven and modern educational
environment.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Traditional attendance tracking methods in educational institutions often involve manual

processes, such as roll call or paper-based sign-in sheets. These conventional approaches have
several limitations and challenges that can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies. The statement
of the problem focuses on the shortcomings of traditional attendance systems and highlights the
need for an Android-based Students Attendance System using biometric technology.

• Inaccurate Attendance Recording: Manual attendance tracking methods are prone to

errors due to human factors, such as misreading handwriting or overlooking student names
 during roll call. Inaccurate attendance records can lead to discrepancies in student
attendance and affect academic evaluations.
• Time-Consuming Manual Processes: Traditional attendance taking consumes valuable
class time as teachers go through the process of calling out names or distributing and
collecting attendance sheets. This can lead to reduced instructional time and impact
learning outcomes.
• Buddy Punching and Proxy Attendance: Manual attendance systems are susceptible to
"buddy punching," where students mark attendance on behalf of absent peers. This practice
compromises the integrity of attendance data and defeats the purpose of tracking individual
student attendance.
• Limited Real-Time Tracking: With manual attendance systems, attendance data is often
available only after the class session, making it challenging for teachers and administrators
to identify absenteeism and respond promptly.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

System that leverages biometric technology to create an efficient, accurate, and secure attendance
tracking solution for educational institutions. The system aims to address the limitations of
traditional attendance methods use in Federal Polytechnic Ede and promote students’ engagement,
accountability, and real-time data access for teachers, administrators, and parents.

The objectives are as follows:

• To Assess Existing Attendance Systems: The study's first objective is to evaluate the
shortcomings of traditional attendance systems in Federal Polytechnic Ede, including
manual roll call and paper-based sign-in sheets. This assessment will highlight the need for
a more efficient and reliable attendance tracking solution.
• To Explore Biometric Technology Applications: The study aims to explore the various
biometric technologies available for attendance tracking, such as fingerprint recognition,
facial recognition, or iris scanning. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each,
the most suitable biometric method will be identified for the Android-based system.
• To Design the Android-Based Students Attendance System: The study will focus on
designing a user-friendly Android application that integrates the selected biometric
technology for attendance marking. The system's design will consider the needs of different
educational institutions and the preferences of students, teachers, and administrators.
• To Implement the Biometric Attendance System: The study's next objective is to
implement the designed Android-based Students Attendance System. This involves
developing the mobile application and integrating the biometric technology with a secure
and scalable backend infrastructure.
• To Evaluate System Performance and Accuracy: To ensure the system's effectiveness,
the study will conduct rigorous testing and evaluation to measure its performance and
accuracy in attendance tracking. The system will be tested under various scenarios and
student populations to validate its reliability.
• To Assess User Experience and Satisfaction: The study will gather feedback from
students, teachers, and administrators on their experience with the Android-based Students
Attendance System. User satisfaction surveys and focus group discussions will help
identify areas for improvement and address any usability issues.
• To Investigate Data Security and Privacy: Security and privacy are paramount in
handling biometric data. The study will examine the security measures in place to protect
biometric information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
• To Analyze Cost and Resource Implications: The study will conduct a cost-benefit
analysis to determine the financial implications of implementing the Android-based
Students Attendance System. This analysis will consider the initial setup costs, ongoing
maintenance, and potential cost savings from improved efficiency.
• To Propose Strategies for Implementation and Adoption: The study will propose
strategies for the successful implementation and adoption of the Android-based Students
Attendance System in educational institutions. This includes identifying potential
challenges and offering recommendations for overcoming resistance to change.
• To Present a Comprehensive Solution: The ultimate objective of the study is to present
a comprehensive solution in the form of the implemented Android-based Students
Attendance System. The solution will address the aim of the study by providing an
efficient, accurate, and secure attendance tracking platform using biometric technology.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study's significance lies in the improved accuracy and reliability of attendance tracking in
Federal Polytechnic Ede. Biometric technology eliminates the possibility of errors, buddy
punching, and proxy attendance, ensuring that attendance records reflect the true presence of
students. Implementing an Android-based Students Attendance System streamlines the attendance
tracking process, reducing the time required for manual roll calls or paper-based sign-in sheets.
This efficiency leads to increased instructional time, enhancing overall learning outcomes. The
study's focus on real-time attendance tracking offers teachers and administrators instant access to
attendance data. This enables timely interventions for absentee students, facilitating early
academic support and reducing academic gaps.

The use of biometric technology ensures enhanced security and data privacy. Biometric data is
encrypted and securely stored, minimizing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to
sensitive information. In the context of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the study's
implementation of contactless attendance marking aligns with health and safety guidelines,
ensuring the well-being of students and staff. An Android-based Students Attendance System
enables efficient data analysis and reporting. Teachers and administrators can generate insightful
reports on attendance patterns, helping identify trends and devise targeted strategies to improve
student attendance. The study's use of mobile technology and biometrics engages students actively
in the attendance process. Students become more accountable for their attendance, leading to
improved academic performance and a sense of responsibility.

By adopting the Android-based Students Attendance System, educational institutions embark on

a digital transformation journey. Embracing technology enhances the overall learning experience,
making educational processes more modern and efficient. The study's implementation allows for
real-time attendance updates to parents and guardians. Parental involvement in monitoring student
attendance fosters a collaborative approach between schools and families to support student
success.

While there may be an initial investment in implementing the system, the long-term benefits
outweigh the costs. Reduced paperwork and administrative tasks lead to cost and resource savings
for educational institutions. The Android-based Students Attendance System can be scaled to
accommodate varying educational settings, from small schools to large universities. It also offers
adaptability to changes in student population and attendance policies. The study's focus on
integrating biometric technology into education showcases the progressive nature of the
educational institution. Embracing innovative solutions enhances the institution's reputation and
attracts students seeking modern learning experiences.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The system will encompass the real-time recording of student attendance using biometric
technology. This includes capturing and storing biometric data such as fingerprints, facial features,
or iris scans. The scope involves implementing biometric authentication methods, such as
fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, or iris recognition, to ensure the accuracy and security
of attendance records. The system will be developed specifically for the Android operating system,
enabling students and teachers to use it on a wide range of Android devices, including smartphones
and tablets.

The system will support user management functionalities, allowing administrators to add, modify,
and delete student and teacher profiles, ensuring accurate attendance tracking. Attendance records
will be synchronized in real-time with a central database, providing administrators and teachers
with up-to-date attendance information. The system can send automated notifications to students,
parents, or guardians about attendance status, enabling timely communication and intervention.

The system will generate attendance reports and analytics, offering insights into attendance
patterns, trends, and absenteeism. The scope includes integrating the system with biometric
hardware, such as fingerprint scanners or cameras, to capture biometric data accurately.

The system will offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface for students, teachers, and
administrators to interact with the attendance system efficiently. The scope involves implementing
robust security measures to protect biometric data and attendance records from unauthorized
access and breaches.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Design: In the context of this study, "design" refers to the process of creating a blueprint
or plan for the Android-based Students Attendance System. It involves outlining the
system's architecture, user interface, functionalities, and data flow to meet the specific
requirements of tracking student attendance using biometric technology.
• Implementation: "Implementation" refers to the actual development and coding of the
Android-based Students Attendance System based on the design specifications. It involves
translating the design into a functional software application that incorporates the selected
biometric technology for attendance tracking.
• Android-Based Students Attendance System: This term refers to the software
application designed to run on Android mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
It serves as the platform for students, teachers, and administrators to mark and access
attendance records using biometric technology.
• Biometric Technology: Biometric technology involves the use of unique physical or
behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, to identify
individuals. In the context of this study, biometric technology is integrated into the
attendance system to uniquely identify and record student attendance.
• Attendance Tracking: "Attendance tracking" refers to the process of monitoring and
recording the presence or absence of students in educational settings. The Android-based
Students Attendance System employs biometric technology to automate and enhance the
accuracy of attendance tracking.
• Real-Time Updates: "Real-time updates" indicate that attendance data is available
instantly and continuously as students mark their attendance. This enables teachers and
administrators to access up-to-date attendance information in real-time.
• User Interface (UI): The "user interface" encompasses the visual and interactive elements
of the Android application through which users interact with the attendance system. It
includes screens, buttons, and navigation menus designed to facilitate ease of use for
students, teachers, and administrators.
• Backend Infrastructure: The "backend infrastructure" refers to the server-side
components and databases that store, process, and manage attendance data. It supports the
 functionalities of the Android-based Students Attendance System and ensures data security
and integrity.
• Data Security and Privacy: This term pertains to the measures and protocols implemented
to safeguard biometric data and other sensitive information collected by the attendance
system. It ensures that unauthorized access and data breaches are prevented.
• Contactless Attendance Marking: "Contactless attendance marking" means that students
can mark their attendance without physical contact with attendance tracking devices or
surfaces, minimizing health risks and complying with social distancing requirements.
• User Engagement: "User engagement" refers to the level of involvement, interaction, and
interest demonstrated by students, teachers, and administrators with the Android-based
Students Attendance System. A high level of user engagement enhances the system's
effectiveness and adoption.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: This term refers to the process of analyzing attendance
data collected by the system to gain insights into attendance patterns, trends, and
performance. Data analysis informs decision-making and helps in generating reports for
administrative purposes.