Schools need efficient back-end management to function smoothly and provide education without disruption. They need to direct and organize activities, manage employees' paychecks, monitor student and staff progress, and collaborate internally and externally to arrange events.
With the value of education technology expected to grow by $680 million by 2027, it becomes clear why we need school management software like Teach 'n Go for innovative solutions.
These tools are valuable and allow you to automate the management of schools; attendance, enrollment, paying fees, and sharing results have never been easier! Here are a few things you need to consider before choosing your software:
1. Data Security
Every software application needs data security; you handle sensitive information such as student data, background data on staff, fee collection, exams, and results. If this data gets altered, lost, or stolen, such as leaked exam papers, it can cause distress for students, teachers, and administration. Your software solution should include the following:
Firewalls to protect your data from being hacked
OTP (One-Time-Password) encryption
Data Backup
Cloud-based security
2. User Friendliness
Software's complexity can prevent you from using it in a swift and efficient manner. Technology should simplify tasks and not complicate the work of teachers or administrators who are not tech-savvy. Key user-friendliness features often include easy navigation, search functions, tooltips (hint button displays information about an element), features, and practical assistance.
You may still need to train users, such as teachers, on how to best utilize the system - through videos, tutorials, or other instructions.
3. Scalability
Scalability refers to a system's capability to grow and meet a business's growing needs and demands. Before opting for a particular software, you should consider your organization's ongoing and expected changes over the years.
Prioritizing scalability from the beginning allows optimal user experience with lower maintenance costs. Your investment in obtaining the software and training your employees to use it will go to waste in a short time span if your software is rigid and unscalable.
Your software needs regular updates and upgrades that keep up with technological trends to add to and improve your administration continuously. So, you should look for software created by creators who promote and modify it.
4. Stakeholder Needs and Effective Communication
When you shift from a traditional structure to an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner) software, you need clear communication - you need to accommodate the demands of all stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, school administration, and staff. Your software should allow you to separate groups easily and send them notifications.
It should also allow centralized administrative tasks for effective communication: sending fee reminders, assignment alerts, and circulars about holidays. Data in the cloud-based systems should be accessible to administration, parents, and students, depending on its access settings.
5. Admission, Fees, Homework, and Tracking
The software you choose should simplify your admission process - no need for long emails, calls, queues, or complicated file management. This hastens processes while reducing the use of paper and saving costs. Similarly, allowing online fee payments by sending digital copies of receipts can make record-keeping simple.
You can also consider integrating GPS to keep track of all vehicle and bus locations at all times - while making this information available to parents.
Your software should aid teachers in keeping track of homework, assignment, and exams by storing them in the cloud. They should easily be able to schedule classes, modify classroom sizes, make appointments, and customize their lessons.
Endnote
School systems continuously evolve, and technology can make the process simple. Consider investing in flexible, comprehensive software to make things feasible.
Schools run on a tight budget and are often affected by funding cuts or budget constraints - choose a solution you can afford. It is an investment that requires research and knowledge of the product, vendors, school needs, and requirements.
Go for tried and trusted software that provides quality support in an emergency. Choose reliable firms that immediately provide solutions and updates and can integrate features when needed.
