The Hopes and Realities of the Computer as a School Administration and School Management Tool

Software for school administration and school management started as teachers with a science background started to develop computer programs in order that school office staff did not have to repeatedly type and re-type student lists. Later, computing companies entered the market and software packages evolved. Some governments also mandated which school information systems were best suited for the schools in their country. This chapter traces the original aspirations for the school administrative use of computers (more school efficiency and school effectiveness) and compares those aspirations to eventual outcomes in schools. Some goals have been accomplished, others not yet. The reasons for the latter and the lessons that can be learned from this, are discussed