Elaine,
Electronic student records also eliminates the files getting lost on someone's desk.
Kevin-I agree, paperless is the way to go. The student gets the hard copy and is responsible for it. Space for filing cabinets and shredders would be a thing of the past.
I believe that a full paperless admissions process other than a hard copy to the student would be the best way to move forward in all aspects of college enrolment from application to signature pad. No paper should be used; a computer and input device for signatures could take care of everything.
I believe it's a great idea to have both, computer and paper files. At the moment, our institution only keeps paper files, but we do keep student information in the computer.
Jeff,
There are many ways to assure electronic signature. Many require that by an initial set-up they agree to the terms of an electronic signature. Online schools do this as there is literally no other way to conduct business. Others have a mix where the initial signature is at time of enrollment, a pin or access code is given and the rest is electronic history.
Quintana,
Back up is important when it comes to technology. We tend to think about backing up when the computer crashes.
Joshua,
I love to see autofill.
Tim,
What happens if the flash drive is lost? Many flash drives are left in the computer and well forgotten.
Brenda,
Thank you for bringing another perspective. Not everyone is ready for all technology.
Hi Patty,
I've watched this thread develop and a few cultural changes come to mind for me:
1. The transition from bank tellers to ATMs to online banking
2. Traditional shopping to online shopping
3. Cash toward debit cards
Change may occur slowly, but it will occur. I do, however, have a question. Are there documents that absolutely require a signature for legal reasons? I've known many employees who advocate for a paperless process, but are unsure if or when a hard copy signature is required. Any feedback you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
I agree that there are pros and cons to both sides of this issue. As much as we all embrace the efficientcy and consistentcy of technology we have to admit that when there are glitches, it usually brings everything to a stand still. I appreciate having a back up plan when those times occur. For example, all of our computers went down in the entire college and our department was able to continue with our work because we had a "hardcopy" of prospective students that we are able to still help.
Consistency.. There is a fantastic word. I agree Daniel. Technology paves the way for us all to be more consistent. I couldn't imagine life without technology being consistent. We all depend on technology for everything. If the companies delivering us goods weren't using computers things would be very inconsistent and it would be almost impossible to feed our growing nation with only paper documents. We would all be at a loss.. Yay technology!
My outfit has been constantly improving our use of digital documents. We haven't had a filing cabinet in the building for over 3 years. We are always looking for improved efficiency ideas from new technology. Of course, we teach the use of business technology so it has other advantages. I will pass along a good idea that we use. We issue each student a monogramed flash drive with all of their admin and training files, including school catalog, resume templates, etc. They also use it to store their resumes and other training documents.
Daniel, your points are valid and certainly agreeable to a generation that promotes "green" and I agree with the idea of having a solid form of an agreement, known as "hard copy". How about we give the new student the option? Many of our new students are folks up in years and they just are not computer-savy and leery of them as well versus the younger student who lives and feeds on computers. A simple question of asking which they prefer might be the ticket.
Daniel, your points are valid and certainly agreeable to a generation that promotes "green" and I agree with the idea of having a solid form of an agreement, known as "hard copy". How about we give the new student the option? Many of our new students are folks up in years and they just are not computer-savy and leery of them as well versus the younger student who lives and feeds on computers. A simple question of asking which they prefer might be the ticket.
Daniel,
Technology has its advantages. To be able to complete basic information and have all the forms autofill is a timesaving tool. Technology is rapidly changing the way we do business and the biggest advantage is consistency.
Meghan,
You bring important points to the table. We are transitioning to the electronic world by leaps and bounds.
Christina,
It is a changing of culture. Many people want that paper in hand while others are satisfied with an electronic copy. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Joshua,
Many schools scan their entire files. You are right about the natural disasters that can quickly wipe out the entire records.
