Managing information systems in the school

This paper describes the issues surrounding information systems (IS) in the school, in particular the concerns which need to be considered when generating a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of an educational integrated IS. The paper reviews both IS strategy research and innovations in educational technology, and reports on two studies of the problems in IS strategy of educational professionals. In the major study, survey responses from 432 high schools were analyzed to examine the relative use of microcomputer school IS for efficiency of routine functions versus effective decision making defined as greater use of information by school personnel. Schools showed significantly greater use of the systems for more efficient processing of routine tasks. However, operational factors related to the use of the systems as informing tools for more effective decision making were able to be singled out, and relationships among measures of efficiency, effectiveness, decision making and operational factors were identified. The article concludes with implications for institutional practice, related research and professional preparation of educational administrators.