Reimagining Attendance: Faculty Perspectives on Student Attendance Systems Powered by Facial Recognition Technology

TY - JOUR

T1 - Reimagining Attendance

T2 - Faculty Perspectives on Student Attendance Systems Powered by Facial Recognition Technology

AU - Tarhouny, Shereen El

AU - Aljedaani, Shayma

AU - Alkhadragy, Rania

AU - Mansour, Tayseer

N1 - © 2026 by the authors

PY - 2026/5/15

Y1 - 2026/5/15

N2 - This study explored faculty perceptions of using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) for tracking medical student attendance at a private Saudi medical college. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers surveyed 112 faculty members and conducted focus groups with 26 participants. The findings revealed a balanced but divided perspective. While a slight majority (51.8%) showed good acceptance, a significant minority (48.2%) did not. Faculty rated the technology highly for its perceived ease of use (85.7%) and effectiveness (75%). However, significant privacy concerns were a major issue for over half of the respondents (55.3%). Qualitative data highlighted key themes, including initial staff reactions to FR technology, the need for better staff communication and training, the balance between efficiency and technical challenges, and deep-seated ethical and privacy concerns related to surveillance. The study concludes that, while faculty see the potential benefits of FRT, successful implementation depends on addressing their legitimate concerns. To succeed, institutions must develop comprehensive strategies that include transparent privacy policies, reliable technology, and robust training for staff. Prioritizing stakeholder engagement and creating culturally sensitive implementation plans are crucial for balancing the benefits of FRT with privacy and ethical considerations.

AB - This study explored faculty perceptions of using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) for tracking medical student attendance at a private Saudi medical college. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers surveyed 112 faculty members and conducted focus groups with 26 participants. The findings revealed a balanced but divided perspective. While a slight majority (51.8%) showed good acceptance, a significant minority (48.2%) did not. Faculty rated the technology highly for its perceived ease of use (85.7%) and effectiveness (75%). However, significant privacy concerns were a major issue for over half of the respondents (55.3%). Qualitative data highlighted key themes, including initial staff reactions to FR technology, the need for better staff communication and training, the balance between efficiency and technical challenges, and deep-seated ethical and privacy concerns related to surveillance. The study concludes that, while faculty see the potential benefits of FRT, successful implementation depends on addressing their legitimate concerns. To succeed, institutions must develop comprehensive strategies that include transparent privacy policies, reliable technology, and robust training for staff. Prioritizing stakeholder engagement and creating culturally sensitive implementation plans are crucial for balancing the benefits of FRT with privacy and ethical considerations.

KW - facial recognition technology

KW - medical schools

KW - technology acceptance

KW - privacy concerns

KW - mixed methods

KW - biometric information systems

KW - cultural barriers

KW - tracking student’s attendance

KW - data governance

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105043153662

U2 - 10.3390/ime5020050

DO - 10.3390/ime5020050

M3 - Article

VL - 5

JO - International Medical Education

JF - International Medical Education

IS - 2

M1 - 50

ER -