Computerized class management software: teachers' views and assessment

Purpose – This article seeks to present two main issues: educational staff assessment of changes in their work resulting from the introduction of class and school management software; and educational staff assessment as to whether software use contributed to their work. Design/methodology/approach – The research concentrated on the teachers (120) of three high schools located in different regions of Israel. The management software was introduced gradually about seven years before the beginning of the research. The research was qualitative and enabled consideration of social and educational phenomena, and various coping strategies, with the purpose of identifying weak spots and bettering education. Data analysis was conducted according to grounded theory, focusing on the creation of a premise on the basis of data collected from participants. This method includes three stages: open, axial and selective coding. Findings – The data indicate that teachers recorded changes in their work as a result of software use. The research found that class management software is a necessary tool for schoolwork that can bring about increased achievements and discipline. But software use can be harmful as well. Teachers felt that in order to realize the potential of class management software, while minimizing its potential damage, interpersonal connections between the educational staff and their students should be maintained and strengthened, as well as developing relationships among teachers, administrators and school management. Originality/value – The article enriches the existing literature in the field and contributes to the understanding of the integration between technological and educational systems, and the changes in educational work resulting from technological advance.