representative of each attendee which is then stored in the temporary memory at a selected time the contents of the temporary memory are transferred to central computer 12 as noted above in particular the attendance information is transferred to a holding file 16 at central computer 12 to confirm transmission accuracy the contents of holding file 16 are then passed electronically to database files 18 for storage analysis sorting evaluation and recording it is contemplated that various types of identity verifying machines may be utilized for identification device 10 for example identification device 10 may be a suitable smart card reader a bar code reader or a machine for recognition of fingerprint and or other anatomical features referring now also to fig2 the illustrated embodiment utilizes a magnetic stripe card reader 20 preferably card reader 20 is of the same type utilized to verify credit cards at a point of purchase such devices are available for example from verifone inc of redwood calif where a card reader is employed identification cards such as card 22 are distributed to the individuals who will be expected to use the system like a credit card card 22 contains a magnetic stripe having impressed data that can be read electronically generally the name of the card user will also be printed on the card as well as the name or logo of a sponsoring entity such as u201c eeds u201d for electronic education documentation system when the user enters the site of the educational activity card 22 is u201c swiped u201d through slot.