Development of web-based system for tracking students’ performance for early intervention: a case of darling wisdom academy

Abstract

Student Information System (SIS) is critical for the effective operation of institutions of learning because it tracks student performance and allows for early intervention. The project's goal was to develop a functional, flexible, and convenient web-based SIS with user-friendly interface for enhancing students’ performance tracking for early intervention. During the requirements elicitation process, the project included benchmarking of other schools’ SIS. Benchmarking and user interviews were used to obtain requirements for the SIS. The system was developed through Rapid Application Development (RAD) and tested with unit, system, and integration testing. The survey showed that the system is 70% user-friendly, the system will provide easy interaction between students, parents, guardian, and school by 70%, 71% believe the technology will make student data management easier as 73% believe the system will help keep better records. The system provides a single login interface for school general secretary, students, and parents/guardians. The SIS allows students to monitor their academic progress, school management and designated staff manage student results, school general secretary deals with all aspects of system administration pertaining SIS. Secure Socket layer (SSL) certificate installed on the institutional domain where Information System (SI) is hosted. Object-orient Programming (OOP), prepared statements and password encryption were applied for IS security enhancement. SIS files and database were backup using JetBackup and log files were developed to enhance accountability. The efficiency and effectiveness of schools are dependent on the adoption of the SIS. The SIS provides timely student information to students, school management and parents. This system, however, will have to be integrated to other IS’s of DWA to achieve consistent data flow within the institution.