Interface

The SchoolMation interface is entirely web browser based. All users
(explained above) login using a generic login form. They must provide
a username and password. Depending on their user group status, access
privileges are automatically assigned and authenticated users are
presented with an acceptable use policy and permitted to proceed to
the main navigation menu of the SchoolMation solution.

Access to SchoolMation is limited -- open to students, teachers,
administrators and optionally parents of a given school or district.
Although no environment that allows web-based access is completely
safe, the combination of proper user authentication, known identity,
teacher/parent mediation and total access to user data by school
administrators provides an environment of responsibility and
accountability.

The SchoolMation main navigation menu is divided into four (4)
sections (manager, administrator, teacher, student/parent) that
correspond to the four user groups described above. Within each
section, facility buttons appear at the bottom of the screen and are
used to navigate SchoolMation's numerous features.

Understanding the use of a standard search form (described below) is
a key component to successfully using the various facilities within
SchoolMation. Basically, before you can perform a function associated
with the facilities, you must locate the student(s) that you wish to
add/modify/delete information for. This is done by selecting search
criteria and performing a search of the database.

Search results are normally displayed in the form of student names in
the left hand frame of the main screen. Clicking on a student name
will allow appropriate users to add/modify/delete information for
that student. The type of information that can be
added/modified/deleted is related to the original section a user is
in prior to performing a search. For example, if you are a teacher in
the attendance section, you will be able to add/modify/delete
"attendance" data for found students after you complete the search.
The same search initiated in the "grade book" section will allow a
teacher to add/modify/delete student grade data. The search form is
purposefully kept consistent throughout the various sections of
SchoolMation so as users can transfer their knowledge from one part
to another.

If a user attempts to enter a section that they do not have proper
authentication to enter, they will be allowed into the section but
will not be allowed to use any of the available facilities in that
section. If they attempt to use a facility, a message will appear
reminding the user that they do not have permission to access this
information.