The primary purpose of providing education is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to attain success in the path they choose to take. A key factor in achieving this objective is to give students a wholesome and enriching learning experience. In an increasingly competitive education industry, schools and universities have to show students why they are the best option for them.
With a market saturated with schools and colleges that often struggle to meet their enrollment targets, setting oneself apart from the rest of the pack can often be a herculean task. Technological advancements in the education system have occurred, with blended online learning taking centre stage. To keep up, it is necessary for schools to implement good school management software that can revamp their day-to-day workflows in an improved manner. School ERPs can provide immense benefits to educational institutions by reducing costs and increasing overall efficiency but more importantly can aid in improving student performance.
There are several reason why it is necessary to have a school ERP for students to perform better:
Enhanced Learning Experience
School management software can help you create and deliver learning content digitally. The learning management module provides the capability to provide virtual access to class notes, e-library books and journals, lectures, tutorial sessions, assignment and project information, class timetables, exam notifications and academic transcripts. This remote access makes it accessing their academic information paperless and hassle-free. Teachers can implement gamification in their virtual classrooms making learning more engaging for students, motivating them to participate in class. Blended learning, set to be the future of education, can be seamlessly implemented using school management software.
Research has shown that, provided there is satisfactory digital infrastructure, online learning can be more effective than in a conventional classroom setting. On average, students were found to retain 25-60% more material when learning was conducted online as opposed to only 8-10% in a typical classroom. By hosting learning content online, students can go back to learning material several times, skipping unnecessary lessons, working at their own pace, saving time and effort spent in learning. This will motivate them to work harder, leading to an increase in student productivity, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Improved Communications
Among the many aspects of education that were disrupted due to the pandemic, it was the gap in the ability of teachers and students to communicate with each other. This communication gap can be reduced by implementing a school management system like Ken42, that allows teachers and students to stay in contact via chat boxes on the learning platform, receive notifications regarding assignment and project submissions, exams and school events, etc. Students will be able to communicate with their peers using online discussion boards and chat rooms, allowing students to network and socialise. Parents will also be able to stay in contact with teachers and school administration, receiving personalised messages including their child’s school attendance, transport alerts, academic transcripts, fee payments etc. This will help them stay engaged with their child’s academic journey, enabling them to provide help wherever it is needed.
Customised Dashboards
Student management systems have advanced data analytics capabilities that can create an all-rounded view of each student. Teachers can access dashboards containing detailed student information regarding their academic progress, past transcripts, extracurricular achievements etc. Presented in an easy to understand format, teachers can identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses and create lesson plans based on this data. Teachers can also view whether these customised learning paths are able to create an impact on the student’s performance and make adjustments accordingly. Teachers can provide students with real-time feedback and hear directly from students about what their problem areas are and work towards making consequential improvements. They will also be able to confer with other teachers and the administration to determine if the student needs any kind of special attention that will aid them in their learning journey. Providing students with consistent feedback and help will motivate them to work harder, boost their confidence and in turn their performance. This kind of comprehensive assistance to students will help keep high student retention rates as well.
Stronger Alumni Network
An often overlooked aspect of creating a wholesome learning experience for students is the value of helping them build a strong social network. Companies like Ken42 provide an alumni management module that stores alumni records and information that can be used to effectively manage alumni relations. The alumni network can be used to receive valuable feedback regarding their academic experiences which can be used to make meaningful changes. Current students can tap into their alumni network for advice regarding academics, further academic and career aspirations, and even seek help with job referrals and placements. Additionally, maintaining strong alumni relationships can help in donation and fundraising efforts, providing worthy students with scholarships and financial aid.