To Adopt or Not to Adopt Computer-Based School Management Systems?

Abstract

While information systems are used in educational management by many schools in many countries, some schools in some countries use them more effectively than others. This paper questions the reasons for this. The introduction of new computer-based educational management systems in schools should be thought of in terms of innovation. Although a large amount of research has been done on the process of technological innovation some of it is not well grounded in innovation theory, and not much ITEM research relates to this topic. Of the ITEM research that does investigation innovation most is concerned with the management of change in schools and how to best implement these systems, rather than a consideration of why some schools choose to adopt some or all aspects of an ITEM system while others choose not to adopt. This paper outlines two theories of technological innovation and advocates the advantages of the theory of innovation translation in investigations in this area.Key wordsInnovationinnovation diffusioninnovation translationtechnology adoptioncentralised/ decentralised education systemsITEM research