#47 Can This Tiny Gadget Keep Kids in College?

Effortless Tracking

Fletch offers an innovative solution to the persistent problem of college dropout rates by providing effortless attendance tracking. Marquett Burton explains that Fletch uses Bluetooth beacons in classrooms to automatically detect student attendance via their phones, addressing a critical requirement for federal financial aid compliance 1. This technology not only simplifies the process but also helps identify students at risk of dropping out by monitoring attendance patterns 2.

Fletch is an effortless solution that empowers colleges to take attendance without students or staff lifting a finger.

--- Marquett Burton

The system's algorithms can detect if a class was canceled or if a student is attempting to game the system, ensuring accurate data collection 2.

   

Student Incentives

To encourage students to keep the Fletch app on their phones, Marquett Burton has incorporated social and financial incentives. The app includes a social component similar to YikYak, allowing students to communicate and engage anonymously, which helps maintain their interest 3. Financially, students are motivated to use the app because failure to capture attendance can result in the school reclaiming funds from federal financial aid 3.

The school can threaten the students by saying, look, if you take this off your phone, we're coming back to you to collect the money.

--- Jillian Manus

This dual approach ensures that students remain engaged with the app, benefiting both their academic success and the institution's financial health.