Technology has not only changed the face of society, but now the face of education. With over 350 schools across Canada and the United States implementing the “5-Star Students” app into their system, staff and students are now able to function more efficiently.
Created by educator Greg Hroch and data scientist Brian Bourgeois, the 5-Star Students app is designed to help students stay organized, view points, check into events, receive school notifications, and access surveys and polls.
In addition, the app offers the ability to display students’ ID cards within its software, ultimately showcasing a barcode that staff can scan, as well as displaying students free period and activities stickers.
These characteristics allow for a smoother access to IDs, as well as a more efficient way for staff to check students’ profiles. It serves as a great benefit for schools to track and manage student involvement in activities and events.
Over the years, it has become common for students to lose or forget their physical ID, which not only causes problems for the students, but also creates issues for the staff.
“I feel like it’s more convenient because sometimes you forget your ID but you always have your phone,” said Isabella Padilla (12).
This year, SJHHS adopted the app within its system, encouraging students to download it on their devices.
“A lot of the teachers were talking about it, and my ASB teacher especially, really wanted us to get it, so I got it,” said Katelyn Johnson (12)
I feel like it’s more convenient because sometimes you forget your ID but you always have your phone,”. Since its implementation, both negative and positive feedback from SJHHS students and staff has been expressed.
Many students like the easy access and how all of their information is held in the app. As well as SJHHS supervisors enjoy the quick identification of students that is enabled within it.
“I like that it shows all my information like my free periods and cheer, in case I get stopped by a supervisor or something,” said Padilla.
“I like that it is in real time, and that it shows the face,” said SJHHS Supervisor, Kimberly Jensen.
However, the app does have its drawbacks, mainly felt by SJHHS supervisors. Due to students now shifting to only showing their ID through the app, issues with visibility on phone screens and students having the distraction of their phone while driving has erupted.
“Our concerns is that students aren’t getting it out and getting ready before they start their car and start driving to leave, so we see the students fumbling the phone causing traffic,” said Jensen
With the app just being introduced to our school this year, it is not surprising that there may be some small issues that come up, however with time, the app will continue to be a benefit to schools worldwide and act as a major benefit to its staff and students.
