Dynamic Information Systems in an Educational Environment

An educational information system can support the administra tive function and facilitate the process of educational change by provid ing information on alternative courses of action and their conse quences. Such a system will store and produce the kinds of information perceived to be of most use by administrators. Should an educational information system fail to be responsive and adaptive to the fact that the characteristics and needs of its client environment are constantly changing, its impact will be minimal and its effective life short. The Oregon Total Information System has examined its users and found some apparent discrepancy between services offered and the informa tion needs of its administrative users. Such systems need to establish procedures for constantly researching and monitoring the changing patterns in their user environment.