Information Technology in Educational Management

Educational institutions in which administrators, managers and teachers will be working in the late 1990's will be far different from those oftoday. Schools, which until recently were lagging behind in the implementation of information technology (IT) in their administration and management, are now attempting to close the gap. A massive and rapid computerization process in schools, school districts and throughout the other Ievels of the educational system, including universities, has made computers an integral part of the educational management scene. A computer on the desk of every educational management statT might become a reality in the near future. The term "IT" includes three main components: hardware, software - mainly management information systems (MIS)/decision support systems (DSS) and human factors. Presently, successful implementation depends on adequate software and on human factors. MIS/DSSs are being implemented with the aim of providing meaningful support for school employees in their daily activities, and to improve their performance, etfectiveness and efficiency. Much like at universities, usable and accessible school databases are being established, encompassing data on students, teachers, employees, classrooms, grade Ievels, courses, student achievements and behavior, school space, curriculum, finance, inventory, transportation, etc.

Ben-Zion Barta is with Bar-Code Computers Ltd., Israel