It's the little things that count... (2022 Update)

 

It's the little things that count... (2022 Update)

Years ago we started using ID cards and a scanner for students to sign in and sign out of the library. Well, things have changed with Google (when do they not?) and I've had some requests to share, so here's an update of posts from way back:  2015 Original and 2018 Update.

The setup: at each entrance we have Chromebox (connected to the network) with a monitor and a scanner (scanner is on a stand). We don't even have a keyboard or mouse sitting out! This runs a Google form and students can walk up and scan their ID card completely HANDS FREE. Our students scan when they arrive and when they leave the library. The Keep Awake extension keeps the Chromebox running all day long. The box and Chrome account are ones my Tech Dept. created with limited capabilities....really, that user can only submit this form!

Here's the steps:

1. Create a form; The form is minimal, just a box for their ID number. We only collect the ID number that the student scans in from the bar code on their ID card. You could add formulas and upload student names to your result spreadsheet if you want names. Google automatically inputs the date and time. No one need log in as the form is always running on these dedicated scanner computers and shared with anyone.
   
2. Set your scanner to auto-read and then perform "enter" after the scan is finished. Ours sits in a stand and is always ready for students to scan. Check your scanner documentation, there's usually a "setting" scan that you perform to set your scanner to this function.
3. Run the "live form" in chrome. 
4. Add THREE scripts to your Chrome browser. I use Tamper Monkey to install the scripts, but you may need to check with your IT Dept. to get this loaded. You can get the three scripts you need from a kind soul named Melgior1 at Greasyfork: Here are his directions: https://goo.gl/NFvoNF.
5. The first script sets the cursor in the open box on the form so all is ready to scan. 
6. After the ID card is scanned, your scanner clicks enter which submits the form. You'll need a second script that allows "Enter" to submit your form; that isn't automatic anymore in Google Forms.
7. The third script clicks the "Submit another form" link to reset the form for the next user. The script is set to 5 seconds, but I found that wasn't fast enough for our students so I edited the script value to a smaller number.  
8. I would love to meet and thank Melgior1, the lovely person that created these scripts! 
9. The results sheet fills up quickly so I've added addtional tabs where I use formulas to lookup the Student Name and Grade to fill that information in AND another tab that puts the newest entry on top. 
1. To lookup the name of the students I used this formulat with Copy Down Addon: =ARRAYFORMULA(VLOOKUP(B2,'ID Names'!A1:B3001, 2, FALSE))
2. To put the newest entry on top I used this formula with Copy Down Addon: =query('Form Responses 1'!A1:AA, "select * order by A desc", 1)

This has been such a time saver for our students!!!!! I'm able to view the results on my phone so if we have to evacuate, I can carry the signin's with me. You can also share the results with Admin, Attendance, Study Hall, teachers, etc! I hope it works for you!

And did I mention, this is FREE?