An easier everyday life for school leaders, administrators and teachers, as well as a good insight into the circumstances and conditions of the preschool/school. These are the two most important factors for users when it comes to digital school management systems.
Procuring a school management system is a complex task. Many aspects have to be taken into account and there are many stakeholders. In many cases, the users of the systems - school leaders, administrators and teachers - are far removed from the decision-makers, which further complicates the process.
To ensure the best possible outcome, a user focus is needed already in the procurement phase. Insights into what aspects are most important to users are valuable knowledge that should be taken into account. The digitization of schools is a shared responsibility, and in order to benefit students in the best possible way, the right conditions are needed for those working in preschools and schools.
Services to make everyday life easier
So what is most important to users when it comes to digital school management systems? A market survey* we conducted together with an external party shows that what school leaders, administrators and teachers most want when it comes to choosing a digital school administration system areservices that make everyday life easier for all users. School leaders , administrators and teachers should have access to systems that relieve them and free up time for other, more value-creating tasks.
It is also important that the supplier has agood understanding of the conditions of the preschool or school. The supplier must understand the business and its challenges. With greater understanding and a common starting point, systems can be adapted based on areas of greatest need, which ultimately benefits the student.
Users also highlightcustomer support as one of the most important aspects when choosing a provider. Customer support should be easily accessible and competent. Getting help quickly and easily when things do not go as planned is important from a user perspective.
Specialist in digitization
A supplier of a school administration system should also be aspecialist in digitization in preschools/schools.Digital development is moving fast, and the supplier must ensure that digitization benefits the business in the best possible way. Users also highlightsimple but secure login to the systems as important. Digital development must never go faster than the supplier can offer reliable systems, where information and data are stored securely, in accordance with GDPR and applicable laws and regulations.
It is important to bring in a user focus already in the procurement phase. Services that make life easier for users will also free up valuable time for what matters most: students.
*The article is based on a survey conducted in 2019, where over 2000 school leaders, administrators, teachers, students and parents in Sweden, Denmark and Norway were asked about digital school administration systems. The survey was commissioned by IST in collaboration with Brand Clinic.