The world is mostly driven by data. We generate information at many points in our daily lives. Every industry uses data to modify its work. The education industry is also realizing the importance of data. As a result, every educational organization wants a system that can track and monitor students' performance. The student information system is an excellent tool to capture students’ data points. Earlier, school admins used to maintain multiple registers to record students’ activities. Moreover, there was no technical assistance which made the work cumbersome. Maintaining this jargon is not less than a headache for school administrators. So educational institutions require a system that can make the task easier for them.
A student information system is a solution to this problem. It makes the work easier and records the information safely with its cloud-based technology. Before knowing the benefits and features of a student information system, let us understand its meaning and the purpose it solves.
What is a Student Information System?
A student information system is a dedicated application designed to manage student information effortlessly. The data can be accessed by authenticated users anytime and anywhere. People who do not have access to the system cannot derive any information. As a result, it prevents misuse of data and stores the files securely on a cloud-based platform. Student data include various details such as students’ registration details, fee details, hostel fees, scholarship details, and academic parameters like attendance and test scores.
Features of a Student Information System
Here are a few features that school admins must look at while deciding on a student information system.
- Less burden on school staff
As most of the work gets automated, it reduces the workload of staff members. Moreover, they can stop juggling between different roles to manage the paperwork. School staff spend most of their time managing different registers. All these hassles can be ignored by adopting an efficient student information system.
- Manage student records effortlessly
School admins and staff can ditch the traditional method of record keeping. They do not need to maintain a manual record of individual students. The student information system is a one-stop solution for managing all administrative and non-administrative work from a single platform. Moreover, it stores a massive amount of data effortlessly. The system is not only efficient in storing data but also helps in retrieving data whenever necessary.
- Hassle-free communication
It is rightly said that communication is the key to success. If there is an effective flow of information across all departments and stakeholders, the institute will work in a structured manner. Moreover, the free flow of information ensures reliability and transparency within and outside the organization.
- Cloud storage
The student information system saves cost as schools do not need to invest in hardware to store information. The data is stored in a cloud storage system and can be accessed anytime with a few clicks. As a result, schools and colleges can save costs and resources by eliminating the need of maintaining servers and IT infrastructure.
- Information about complete student cycle
The brick-and-mortar system of recording student data typically relies on bulky registers. School staff use registers of various colors to store information. However, the student information system provides a common platform to store and retrieve data whenever necessary. Moreover, the data provides an insight into student performance and help in their development.
- Account management
Student information systems take care of all invoices and payments. Parents can use the portal to pay fees without spending time in a long queue. It also enables school admins to check all transactions under one roof.
- Report generation
The student information system not just manages student activities but also helps in tracking their performance. The system generates various reports related to attendance and classroom performance. Teachers can use those reports to identify top and bottom performers. Moreover, they can help students who are lagging in the course.
- Eco-friendly option
As all activities are managed through a central platform, the student information system reduces paperwork. It eliminates paper from the academic system.
- Multiple admin access
School admins can share their responsibilities with other teaching and non-teaching staff through the student information system. The portal allows multiple admins to access the required information and take accountability for their actions. For example, a super admin can add multiple admins under themselves to delegate the tasks.
Student data is crucial to making better policies and helping in the development of children. Moreover, capturing accurate student data is crucial when admins make progressive strategies for better education. All this work can be managed by adopting a student information system.
Tips for Choosing the Best Student Information System
When choosing a new student information system, school administrators may not know what features they must not ignore or how they can make an informed decision. A student information system is a must-have for schools as it enhances student performance, reduce operating cost, and impacts how the school functions. Here are a few questions that admins can ask when selecting the best system.
Does the SIS fulfill the requirement of every stakeholder?
The student information system must work efficiently for all stakeholders-school admins, teachers, parents, and students. Moreover, it should help them synchronize their duties and make the most out of this information system. The system must contain all advanced tools to make the work efficient. At the same time, it should be simple and intuitive enough to make the task easier for individuals who are not tech-savvy. A perfect SIS must have a blend of simple and modern tools to fulfill the requirements of every stakeholder.
Is the system easy to use, access, and navigate?
Usability, accessibility, and navigation are crucial factors to consider when deciding on an information system for students. The interface should support the need of every stakeholder. In addition, it should work on multiple devices. The interface should allow users to take full advantage of the information system anytime and anywhere without compromising. Moreover, it must be able to handle multiple functions like recording attendance and viewing students’ performance.
Does the system has dedicated support at every point?
Schools should invest in an SIS that offers dedicated support at every point in time. The stakeholders must be able to resolve their queries in real-time if they find any. An information system offering continuous support to every stakeholder is a must-have for all educational institutions. Many vendors offer self-service support, consultations, account management services, and 24/7 in-person support.
Can the data be accessed and used anytime?
Getting access to the correct information is vital for every educational institute. They need real-time information on various parameters related to students and teachers. Therefore, educational institutions must invest in a system that offers access to information at any point in time. The SIS should help administrators by providing them with the required data to support data-driven decision-making.
Is the parent portal included in the Student Information System?
The learning journey of a student is incomplete without the support of their teachers and parents. With the help of an SIS, school admins and teachers can include parents in the learning process of students. They can establish effective communication and collaboration with parents and include them in all aspects of students’ learning. Moreover, it saves time and passes on the necessary information to parents timely and efficiently.
Does it meet the administration needs of schools and other educational institutions?
SIS is equipped with multiple advanced tools that analyze classroom trends and provide detailed reports of the same. These tools help teachers and admins look through students’ progress and how they are learning and understanding the concepts.
Admins of different educational institutions must look at all the factors mentioned above when selecting a student information system. It is suggested that they ask questions to vendors and clear their doubts before investing in an SIS.
Suggested Read: Why Team Management Skills Must be Taught in Schools
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