Before timetable allocations can be planned, the timetable needs to be configured with the classes, schedules, teachers, and learning resources required for the institute’s timetable structure.
Timetable Setup establishes the information and planning parameters that EasyEdmin uses during Auto Plan and Manual Timetable Planning.
Note: Subjects assigned to each class are maintained in Class Management. When a class is added to a timetable, EasyEdmin automatically retrieves the subjects assigned to that class.
Adding Classes #
The first step in preparing a timetable is to add the classes for which the timetable is required.
When a class is added, EasyEdmin retrieves the subjects already assigned to that class through Class Management.
The timetable can then be prepared using the subjects, teachers, schedules, and other requirements applicable to the selected classes.
Schedules and Periods #
A Schedule defines the day-wise timing structure used by the timetable. Different schedules can be created when different groups of classes follow different timings.
For example:
- Monday to Friday may follow one schedule.
- Saturday may have different timings.
- Pre-Primary classes may follow a different schedule from Primary classes.
A schedule consists of individual Periods.
A Period represents one teaching slot within a schedule, for example:
Monday — 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM
Different schedules can therefore contain different numbers of periods and different timings.
This allows the timetable to accommodate variations in working days and teaching hours across different sections of an institute.
Adding Teachers #
Teachers who will be involved in the timetable are added to the timetable configuration.
For each teacher, the timetable can capture the subjects the teacher can be allocated to and the relevant planning limits.
Maximum Periods per Week #
The Maximum Periods per Week value specifies the maximum number of periods that can be allocated to a teacher during the week.
This information helps EasyEdmin consider teacher workload while preparing the timetable.
Maximum Consecutive Periods #
The Maximum Consecutive Periods value specifies the maximum number of periods that a teacher should be allocated consecutively.
This helps Auto Plan avoid assigning an excessive number of continuous teaching periods to the same teacher.
These teacher-related settings are used as planning inputs and help EasyEdmin prepare a more practical timetable.
Learning Resources / Places #
Timetable planning can include the learning resource or place required for a particular period.
Examples include:
- Classroom
- Computer Lab
- Science Lab
- Playground
- Sports Room
- Skating Rink
- Other specialised learning spaces
A learning resource or place can be associated with relevant subjects or allocations where required.
This allows EasyEdmin to consider the availability and usage of required resources while planning the timetable.
For example, if a practical subject requires a Science Lab, the timetable can take that requirement into account when allocating the period.
Fixed Learning Resources / Places #
Some subjects may always require a specific learning resource or place.
For example:
- Computer → Computer Lab
- Science Practical → Science Lab
- Physical Education → Playground
Such requirements can be configured so that the appropriate resource or place is considered when the subject is allocated in the timetable.
Class Teacher #
A Class Teacher can be selected for each class within the timetable.
The class teacher information helps identify the teacher responsible for the respective class and forms part of the timetable’s class-level information.
Timetable Setup and Auto Plan #
The information configured during Timetable Setup provides the foundation for automatic timetable planning.
Auto Plan considers the configured information, including:
- Classes and their assigned subjects
- Teachers and their subject allocations
- Teacher workload limits
- Maximum consecutive periods
- Schedules and available periods
- Learning resources / places
- Other planning preferences and constraints configured for the timetable
The more accurately the setup reflects the institute’s actual requirements, the more effectively Auto Plan can prepare the timetable.
Setup Before Planning #
Timetable Setup should be completed before starting detailed timetable planning.
A typical setup sequence is:
Add Classes → Configure Schedules & Periods → Add Teachers → Configure Teacher Requirements → Configure Learning Resources / Places → Set Class Teachers → Proceed to Timetable Planning
Detailed allocation and planning concepts such as Split Subjects, Elective Subjects, Priority Allocations, Fixed Allocations, Joined Periods, and Conflict Handling are covered separately in the Timetable Planning and Teacher & Subject Allocation articles.
Key Points #
- Classes are added to the timetable before planning their allocations.
- Subjects assigned to classes are maintained in Class Management and automatically retrieved by Timetable.
- A Schedule defines the day-wise timing structure.
- A Period is an individual teaching slot within a schedule.
- Different classes or sections can use different schedules.
- Teachers can be configured with their applicable subjects and workload-related limits.
- Maximum Periods per Week helps control teacher workload.
- Maximum Consecutive Periods helps control continuous teaching allocations.
- Learning Resources / Places can be configured for subjects or allocations that require specific venues.
- A Class Teacher can be selected for each class.
- Setup information is used by both Auto Plan and Manual Timetable Planning.
