CSIS Usage in School Management: A Comparison of Good and Bad Practice Schools

Abstract

Abstract:School Information System, System Utilisation, School ManagementAlthough the implementation and use of computerised information systems is quite common in developed countries, they are mainly limited to clerical types of support. The utilisation of the potential of these systems by school management is far below what seems possible. In this study, a group of twelve schools, including good and bad practice schools, has been investigated to obtain a more detailed picture of how school managers work with these information systems and which factors seem to promote managerial system usage. System use proves to vary considerably between schools, and five factors seem to have a promoting influence in the good practice schools. Recommendations have been formulated on the basis of the results to promote the managerial use of school information systems.

The use of information technology for educational management in Uganda and Botswana

“…It is paramount that secondary schools and education ministries in developing countries design effective training programmes that will step up system use. Visscher and Bloemen (2001) recommended that managementoriented training courses purposely developed for CIS use ought to be evolved and tested to equip managers with skills necessary to bolster decisionmaking processes and the functioning of their institutions. Furthermore, Selwood and O'Mahony (2003) have suggested a framework for ITEM competence that can be applied to develop training courses for various types of ITEM users.…”

ITEM in Botswana and Uganda

“…It is paramount that secondary schools and education ministries in developing countries like Uganda and Botswana design effective training programmes that will step up system usage. Visscher and Bloemen (2001) recommend that management-oriented training courses purposely developed for MIS usage ought to be evolved and tested to equip managers with skills necessary to bolster decision-making processes and the functioning of their institutions. Furthermore, Selwood and O'Mahony (2003) have developed a framework for ITEM competence that can be applied to develop training courses for various types of ITEM users.…”