Perceptions vs. Technical Reality: School Management and the SIMON Platform in Tacna Educational Institutions

Digital transformation has driven the adoption of technological platforms such as SIMON (Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad del Servicio Educativo), implemented by the Ministry of Education of Peru as a key tool for school management. However, integrating these technologies poses significant challenges for school principals. This study aimed to understand principals’ perceptions of school management through the SIMON platform in educational institutions in Tacna. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 10 principals. Results explored categories including pedagogical aspects, administrative management, participatory action, organizational culture, and an emerging category: digital administrative overload. This paper contrasts these perceptions with the platform’s documented technical functionalities, such as its specific data reporting, workflow automation, and data export capabilities. Findings highlight a significant gap between the platform’s available features and their perceived utility. Digital administrative overload emerges as a relevant phenomenon, indicating the need to streamline processes and improve digital literacy to leverage the full technological potential of the system.