Each year, I hope to have my school become part of the Speak Up survey on Net Day that tries to get a pulse of technology and education. But I always run out of time or, well, forget about it until the time has passed. I can say that I have faithfully signed up for it, though. The survey is for teachers, students, administrators and parents.
The results from this year’s survey are in and it is interesting to examine some of the findings.
First, there was quite a good response of people who took the survey:
- 319,223 Students
- 25,544 Teachers
- 19,726 Parents
- 3,263 School Leaders
They asked the question of use of technology for the various stakeholders.
Students:
- 70% of students in grades 6-12 consider themselves “average” in their tech skills compared to their peers. The 24%, however, that identify themselves as “advanced” have significantly different views on technology.
- This is how students say they are using technology for school:
o Writing assignments (74%)
o Online research (72%)
o Checking assignments or grades online (58%)
o Creating slideshows, videos, webpages for schoolwork (57%)
o Email or IM with classmates about assignments (44%)
Teachers:
What do you do regularly with technology?
o 93% use email to communicate with colleagues or parents – only 34% email with students
o Create a powerpoint presentation – 59%
o Create or listen to podcasts or videos – 35%
o 21% maintain a personal website like MySpace or Facebook
This chart shows the disparity between perceptions of administrators and students about whether the kids are being prepared for the future. It makes me wonder about how we can level these perceptions and whether the goals of education are filtering all the way through a system.
Other findings:
- 54% of students are interested in tech-related careers
- One-third of teachers say they would like to teach an online class
- 84% of administrators say educational technology enhances student achievement
- 63% of parents say they know more about child’s schoolwork and grades because of school technology
The results are worth a look.
Peace (in understanding),
Kevin