We live in a digital age where almost every aspect of our lives, in one way or another, is made easier by the use of the numerous ICT tools and services available. The use of ICTs in schools will in all ways make life easier for students, parents, teachers and the genral public. Sadly, schools in Uganda are one sector that has not yet fully embraced the advantages of going online, yet the benefits are monumental.
While it’s not absolutely mandatory for a school to have a website, having one can offer numerous benefits and is generally considered a valuable tool for communication, information dissemination, and community engagement. In this article, we share just some reasons why having a school website is beneficial:
Information Accessibility
A website provides a centralized platform where parents, students, and the public at large can access important information such as the school calendar, history, board, staff, policies, calendars, event details, and contact information easily. The screen shot below shows some key information shared on the website of Gayaza High School, one of the early adopters of school websites in Uganda.
A website serves as an effective means of communication between the school, parents, students, and the broader community. Important announcements, newsletters, and updates can be easily posted and accessed at anytime without necessarily calling the school.
Showcasing Achievements
A website allows the school to showcase its achievements and successes. This can contribute to a positive image and help build a sense of pride among the school community. Many a school will pride itself in the number of years they’ve been in existance, the sports accolades they have won and competitions they have attended in academic and co-curricular activities. Showing them to the world is more convinient if done on a website which is easily visited by everyone accross the globe.
Admissions and Enrollment
A website can streamline the admissions process by providing information about enrollment procedures, application forms, and admission requirements. This can be particularly important for attracting new students or even offering convinience to parents who live hundreds of miles away.
Educational Resources
Schools can use their websites to share educational resources, assignments, and links to support learning both in the classroom and at home. This can enhance communication between teachers, students, and parents but most importantly, keep the learners academically occupied. The screen shot below shows the elibrary page of Kyambogo College School.
Community Engagement
Having an online presence allows the school to engage with the community through social media, forums, and other interactive features. This can foster a sense of community and involvement. It is even more important when you have to send out an official statement in the case of misinformation. With a bitterly cruel online atmosphere where misinformation can lead to a schools negative image, having a website hand in hand with official social media handles can help a lot in setting records straight.
24/7 Accessibility
A website is available 24/7, allowing users to access information at any time. This is especially convenient for parents and students who may need information outside of regular school hours. The days of waiting for official office hours before someone can interface with administration are long gone. A lot can be accesed on the school website withoout the need to call or physically visit the school.
Professionalism
A well-designed and regularly updated website conveys a sense of professionalism. It can serve as the first impression of the school for prospective students and parents. If you look at the list of top schools in Uganda, you will find that the first that come to mind already have a website and engage with the public on social media. A school without a website will have a lot of convicning to do in orde rto attract the right audience.
In summary, while a school can function without a website, having one can greatly enhance communication, accessibility, and engagement. It’s a valuable tool in the modern era where information is often sought online, and it can contribute to the overall success and positive image of the school.