I was recently notified that San Marcos high school will be switching to fully digital ID cards this year, having students access their ID card through an app called Minga.
There are many issues with this, firstly being that many students do not get a yearbook each year and an ID card can be used as a way to remember their years in high school, without a physical ID, this sentimental item is no longer available. In addition to physical ID cards being more sentimental in value, they are also more practical. Physical ID cards can be kept in a wallet or pocket of a students backpack and are relatively easy to find as they do not change location a lot. However, devices are constantly being used and misplaced, as well as needing to be charged before use. Physical ID cards also have no room from technological error, if the Minga app crashes or does not work, students are unable to use their digital ID card, however, this is not an issue with physical ID cards. This not only is an inconvenience to students, opening up many opportunities for technological errors, it also encourages unnecessary use of a device and takes up storage on a students device.
Personally, all of the other students who have discussed this issue have agreed that digital ID cards are unnecessary and impractical. While they could be an option instead of or as a backup to a physical ID card, the physical ID card should still be provided as an option as it would serve its purpose far better than the digital version, while also serving as a physical momento for students who do not or cannot afford a yearbook.
