Monday’s business headlines reflect a growing tension between technological advancement and established systems, alongside ongoing challenges in the education sector. Reports highlight the increasing use of facial recognition technology, potential shifts in higher education delivery models, and the fallout from a sudden college closure.
Facial Recognition Expands, Raising Privacy Concerns
The deployment of facial recognition technology is expanding into new areas, most notably at Holyhead port in Ireland, according to reports. Thousands of Irish travelers will be scanned as part of UK immigration enforcement efforts. This move underscores a broader trend of utilizing biometric data for security and border control, but also raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns. A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine highlighted that advancements in facial recognition have “outpaced laws and regulations,” creating a largely unregulated ecosystem.
The ethical implications of such technology are becoming increasingly apparent. Kathleen Creel, assistant professor of philosophy and computer science at Northeastern University, questioned the implications of continuous surveillance, asking whether faculty and administrators would accept the same level of scrutiny. The potential for bias in facial recognition algorithms, and the lack of clear guidelines regarding data storage and usage, remain key areas of debate.
Classroom Surveillance: A New Approach to Student Management
Beyond border control, facial recognition is also being explored as a tool for classroom management. Chafic Bou-Saba, associate professor for computing technology and information systems at Guilford College, is developing a system designed to monitor student attention, detect emotional states (boredom, distraction, confusion), and take attendance. This technology, utilizing multiple cameras throughout the classroom, represents a significant shift in how educators approach student engagement and discipline.
While proponents argue this technology could help identify students who are struggling or disengaged, it also raises concerns about creating a surveillance-heavy learning environment. The potential for misinterpreting emotional cues, and the impact on student privacy, are significant considerations. The system’s effectiveness in improving learning outcomes remains to be seen, and its implementation is likely to face resistance from students and faculty alike.
Higher Education Adapts: Rethinking On-Campus Learning
Third-level institutions are being urged to re-evaluate the necessity of mandatory on-campus days, according to reports. The aim is to alleviate pressure on student accommodation and reduce commuting burdens. This potential shift reflects a broader trend towards more flexible learning models, accelerated by the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the benefits of in-person interaction are widely acknowledged, the rising costs of housing and transportation are forcing universities to consider alternative approaches.
Reducing the number of required on-campus days could also open up educational opportunities to a wider range of students, including those with work or family commitments. However, it also raises questions about maintaining the quality of the learning experience and ensuring adequate student support services. The success of this approach will depend on careful planning and investment in online learning infrastructure.
City College Closure Leaves Students Stranded
The abrupt closure of City College, with campuses in Hollywood and Altamonte Springs, Florida, has left students reeling. The for-profit institution, which focused on healthcare career training, informed students via email that it would cease enrollment and “teach-out” existing programs. This sudden announcement has sparked outrage and confusion among students, many of whom have invested significant time and money in their education.
Students expressed frustration over the lack of communication from college administrators and uncertainty about the fate of their credits. Joe Caldas, a student at the Hollywood campus, voiced the sentiment of many, stating, “We want answers.” The closure raises concerns about the stability of the for-profit education sector and the potential for similar disruptions in the future. Diana Ruiz, a student in the Radiology Tech program, highlighted the financial burden, having already spent approximately $12,000 on tuition. The college’s Instagram account ironically celebrated recent graduates just hours before the news broke, adding to the sense of betrayal felt by current students.
The situation at City College underscores the risks associated with for-profit institutions, which often operate with limited financial reserves and are vulnerable to market fluctuations. The lack of transparency and accountability in the sector has led to numerous closures in recent years, leaving students with debt and disrupted educational paths. The college has yet to respond to inquiries from Local 10 News, further exacerbating the frustration and uncertainty among affected students.
The confluence of these events – the expansion of surveillance technologies, the evolving landscape of higher education, and the instability within the for-profit college sector – paints a complex picture of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and individuals in .
