The idea is to reduce bureaucracy for the teacher. The computer tells us what has happened, who inputed the information and when. Teachers then have all the background material to make a decision. Mr. McFall, who can remember visiting the only computer in Northern Ireland when he first began teaching, said some teachers would adapt quicker than others Concern, has already been expressed about extra bureaucracy, but this is largely caused by the system overlapping with paper records during the pilot period. Mr McFall believes the benefits are already obvious after just a few weeks.
Any organisation is dependent on good communication.
We now have 12 computers in the school which can be accessed by anyone. It gives an overview of attendance e and behaviour for every class and every teacher. There is also potential for education welfare officers or parents to one day he able to access records through the Internet. However, Mr McFall said there was question of information becoming available to employers or other outside bodies. The reward system definitely works for some, but we know there is no panacea for all children.