For many people, intrusive technology makes them feel uneasy. But for the generation that grew up with the internet, it's become a new kind of normal.

Some say they have nothing to hide, but others feel powerless and grudgingly accept there's nothing they can do about it. Others are demanding change.

It's from this backdrop that many will view the University of Newcastle's move to use an app to track attendance of first-year students at tutorials, laboratory sessions and seminars. The app's introduction relates to a new compulsory 80 per cent attendance requirement for these types of classes.

The university asserts that there are well documented links between high attendance and student success.

"Students benefit from the exchange of knowledge and ideas that small group sessions provide, as well as the experience of collaborating and communicating with peers," it said.

It also argues that more knowledge about who is attending classes will help teaching staff to "more quickly identify students who may be struggling to make class or need additional assistance".

Some also argue that tracking apps give students more motivation to attend classes, a particular benefit for those who are easily distracted.

Concerns about privacy and success aside, there's also the issue of how students feel the university is treating them.

Some may feel the university is attempting to micromanage their lives.

This, in a sense, goes against the feelings of freedom and independence that the university can give students, especially when compared to high school.

It's also worth considering whose interests are most being served. In an era when more students choose to study from home, the changes also appear aimed at ensuring the university remains a strong physical entity with vibrant campuses.

It's debatable whether forcing students to attend university is the way to go.

Student Luka Harrison argues that the best way to create a vibrant culture at university is to make sure students are given good reasons to want to be there.

Another issue is whether the monitoring of students in this way becomes one step towards a larger system of surveillance in future.

Some student tracking apps claim to have the capability to use algorithms to predict the health and wellbeing of individuals, along with "normal" behaviour.

While some aspects of this kind of technology may actually help students, there are risks of it being misused.

The use of student surveillance is something that everyone involved should keep a close eye on.

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