At Minga, we believe in constantly listening to feedback and evolving our platform to better serve the needs of our users. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest feature—Kiosk Mode. Designed to streamline check in management and tardy tracking, hall pass management, and other essential administrative tasks, Kiosk Mode is a powerful new tool for schools looking to enhance efficiency and free up teacher time in the classroom, without the need for 1:1 devices.
This blog post will explore the details of Minga’s Kiosk Mode, why we developed it, its standout features, and the key benefits it offers to K12 schools.
What is Minga’s Kiosk Mode?
Kiosk Mode is a self-service solution for common areas that allows staff and students to quickly and efficiently manage routine tasks. This functionality lets schools use Minga’s campus management platform without every student needing their own device. By placing a Chromebook, iPad, or any web-enabled device in a common area, students can easily create and approve hall passes, check in for events, and more—directly at the kiosk.
Why Did We Launch Kiosk Mode?
At Minga, we welcome feedback from our teachers, administrators, and students to continuously improve our platform. Over the past year, we noticed an emerging trend: our partner schools always asked when we’d offer a kiosk mode for common areas on campus, and many prospective schools were looking for ways to run Minga, without a 1:1 device program.
We also noticed that some schools used unmonitored laptops for check ins, which posed security risks by allowing unauthorized access to Minga. Kiosk Mode solves this by providing a secure, dedicated system that ensures only authorized students and staff can interact with the platform. This reduces the risk of tampering or misuse, offering schools a safer and more reliable solution for managing check ins and hall passes.
We’ve worked closely with our customers to understand their pain points and identified specific areas where a stand-alone device in a common area would have the most impact. By incorporating their insights, we developed Kiosk Mode as a flexible, scalable solution to help schools issue hall passes and check in students more efficiently.
Main Features of Minga’s Kiosk Mode
Kiosk Mode is packed with features designed to address the key administrative challenges faced by schools. Below are some of the standout features that make this new mode a game-changer for educational institutions.
1. Self-Serve Capabilities
Kiosk Mode empowers students to manage their hall passes and check ins independently, especially at schools that do not issue 1:1 devices. By setting up physical stations on campus, schools can ensure that students have quick and easy access to essential tools for checking in for class or requesting hall passes—without needing their own personal device. This allows schools to run their campus management efficiently and effectively, minimizing reliance on staff for routine tasks and freeing up valuable time for more pressing matters.
2. Quick & Easy Hall Pass Management
With Kiosk Mode, students can request hall passes digitally. The system keeps a record of all hall pass requests, including the number of daily hall passes issued, any blackout periods, and any groups of kids who aren’t allowed a pass at the same time (what we call “No Party Groups”). This robust hall pass management system allows staff to have access to information both in real time and historically. This not only simplifies the process but also enhances security, as administrators can see where students are supposed to be at any given time.
3. An Efficient Check In Process
Kiosk Mode enables students to quickly check in for classes or events with minimal hassle, even during busy periods. Strategically placed in high-traffic areas, the kiosks streamline the process, reducing congestion and ensuring accurate, real-time attendance tracking. This eliminates the need for staff involvement and keeps operations running smoothly, even in schools where students don’t have personal devices.
4. Using Kiosks as Tardy Stations
Kiosk Mode also serves as an efficient tardy station, allowing students to quickly check in if they arrive late without disrupting class or requiring staff assistance. Instead of manual tardy slips, students simply check in at the kiosk, which automatically logs their tardiness in the system. This reduces administrative overhead, provides real-time data for teachers and administrators, and ensures that late arrivals are tracked accurately and consistently, helping schools manage tardiness more effectively.
5. Secure Student ID Access
Students can securely check in or request a hall pass through a Kiosk using either a printed or Digital ID, ensuring that only authorized users can interact with the kiosk, maintaining the privacy and security of student data while making the entire process faster and more efficient.
6. Scalable for Larger Schools
Designed to handle high volumes of interactions, Kiosk Mode is built for scalability. Whether your school has 100 or 10,000 students, the system can efficiently process large numbers of requests without compromising speed or accuracy. This is especially beneficial for larger schools that often face congestion and long wait times for administrative tasks.
Key Benefits of Minga’s Kiosk Mode
The kiosk functions as a self-serve terminal where students can handle administrative tasks autonomously. By streamlining these everyday processes, Kiosk Mode reduces the workload on teachers and staff, while ensuring that real-time data is captured and shared across the school’s system.
Imagine walking into school, tapping into a kiosk to check in, and then instantly being on your way. No long lines, no paperwork—just an efficient, tech-driven solution designed to keep modern K12 campus running like clockwork.
Below are some of the key advantages that Kiosk Mode offers:
1. Schools Don’t Need a 1:1 Device Program
Minga’s Kiosk Mode allows schools to streamline campus management without needing a 1:1 device program. By installing shared kiosks in key areas, students can access digital check-ins, hall passes, and more, even without personal devices. This provides schools with a cost-effective way to streamline operations and improve security without requiring every student to have their own device.
2. Increased Efficiency
One of the most immediate benefits of Kiosk Mode is the time saved for both students and staff. Schools can significantly reduce administrative bottlenecks by making check-ins and hall pass requests easier to handle through a kiosk station. This results in smoother operations and allows staff to dedicate their time to more important matters—such as focusing on the students themselves.
3. Enhanced Accuracy
Manual processes are prone to errors—whether it’s incorrectly recording attendance or losing track of hall passes. Kiosk Mode removes this risk by digitizing these tasks and providing real-time updates. This means that the data schools collect is always accurate, helping to avoid confusion or miscommunication between teachers and students.
4. Improved Student Autonomy
Kiosk Mode empowers students to manage their own interactions with the school system. This not only promotes a sense of responsibility but also frees up staff from having to oversee routine processes. It’s a win-win situation: students enjoy a faster, more streamlined experience, while staff can focus on more critical tasks.
Ready to Transform Your School with Kiosk Mode?
Minga’s Kiosk Mode addresses the growing need for efficiency, accuracy, and automation in schools. By offering self-serve capabilities for students, Kiosk Mode empowers schools to manage their day-to-day operations with ease.
If you’re looking to reduce administrative burdens, improve campus security, and create a more streamlined experience for students and staff alike, Kiosk Mode is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
At Minga, we’re proud to offer this cutting-edge feature and can’t wait to see how it transforms the schools that implement it. Ready to try it out? Reach out to our team today to learn more about how Kiosk Mode can benefit your school!
