Encounters and Exchanges - Participant Technology Survey

Encounters and Exchanges in U.S. History
Teaching and Learning with Technology -- Teacher Survey

Dear Encounters and Exchanges Participant:

The following survey is part of our project's effort to assess how project participants currently use computer and information technology to support teaching and learning. This data will be used solely for project planning purposes. Our intention is to develop an understanding of your current skills and access so that we can create realistic expectations for how the project uses instructional technology within its program of work.

In the following survey, we want to discover your current comfort level with regard to various instructional technology tools and techniques. We also want to learn about how you currently perceive of the value of technology as a tool for improving student performance and achievement. Therefore, these questions ask about your beliefs and attitudes related to technology integration, and a bit about your current technology skills. Many of the questions are multiple choice, but we also have provided a space at the end of the survey for you to enter as much text as you might wish. Please feel free to use this text space to add any additional comments (positive or negative).

Thank you in advance for your time!

Please select the role group that most closely matches your current position:

Please select the grade(s) you currently teach:

Please let us know approximately how long you have been teaching:

Please Note -- For the purposes of this survey, "technology" is defined to be information technology such as computers (desktop, laptop, handheld), networks, software, and the various devices (e.g., digital projectors, assistive/adaptive devices, etc.) attached to computers. We specifically are not including non-computer technologies such as overhead projectors and VCRs.

Teacher Technology Proficiencies

For each of the following 10 questions, please choose what you believe to be your level of proficiency from the pull down menu to the right of the question. Please choose your proficiency level even if you do not currently have access to the technology (equipment, software, etc.) being discussed.

1. I am able to use a word processor to develop written professional work (e.g., memos, worksheets, communications with parents). I know how to edit and spell-check documents as needed. I can format documents.
2. I am able to use email to send and receive email. I can send and receive email attachments (files). I can send emails to multiple addresses. I can forward email.
3. I understand basic WWW concepts such as servers, browsers, etc.
4. I am able to make use of WWW search engines (e.g., Google) to find online information and resources. I can use advanced searching features (e.g., boolean operators such as "and" or "not"). I am familiar with specific educational web sites (e.g., MarcoPolo) and I can bookmark my favorite sites.
5. I am able to create web pages using web-authoring software or an online web page building service.
6. I understand "accessibility concepts" as applied to the WWW (e.g., tags for graphics, etc.)
7. I am able to use devices such as digital cameras and scanners to capture, save, and manipulate digital images. I can transfer digital images into a variety of software applications (e.g., word processors, presentation software).
8. I am able to use a laptop as a professional tool. I am able to connect a laptop to the Internet.
9. I am able to use sound and video devices such has digital video cameras, microphones, disc recorders, etc.
10. I can burn CD or DVD discs to store or share large files.

Use of Specific Technologies At School

For each of the following 12 questions, please indicate the approximate frequency with which you use and/or assign the use of the following technologies. We only want you to consider those technologies that you and your students use at school. Again, please only consider technology use at school and not technology that you or your students might use at home.

11. I use word processing to create or plan classroom activities
12. I use the Internet to locate and/or download professional resources (e.g., lesson plans, curriculum ideas, etc.)
13. I have my students work in small groups to complete activities that require the use of technology
14. I have my students use technology to complete work products or performance tasks that demonstrate mastery of specific content standards
15. I have my students use the Internet to complete a research project or assignment
16. I integrate online activities such as WebQuests or tours of websites into classroom activities
17. I have my students post information to a web page as part of a classroom activity or project
18. I have my students use multimedia devices such as digital cameras or scanners as part of classroom activities
19. I have my students use laptop computers (not AlphaSmarts, but full computers) during classroom activities or projects
20. I review with my students the rules for acceptable use of technology as well as strategies to avoid plagiarism
21. I use technology (i.e., email or a class web page) to communicate with students and/or parents about homework assignments, classroom events, etc.)
22. I meet with colleagues to talk about issues of teaching and learning related specifically to technology integration

Your Perceptions of Technology's Impact on Teaching and Learning

The following statements are intended to gauge your opinions about how students use technology either at school, at home (or both). Please check all of the following statements with which you agree. Leave blank any with which you do not agree.

	At School	At Home
23. My students use technology to develop mastery of basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, etc.)
24. My students use technology to become more critical thinkers
25. My students use technology to access, integrate, and analyze information relevant to interdisciplinary problems
26. My students use technology as a tool for self-directed learning
27. My students use technology to solve relevant, real-life, problems
28. My students use technology to discover concepts and prove relationships
29. My students use technology tools in ways that parallel and model the way that technology is used in the world of work
30. My students use a high degree of personal judgment when choosing and applying technology tools in their learning activities

Please respond to the following yes/no and short answer questions:

	Yes	No
31. I expect my students to use a variety of online, curriculum-specific resources in their work (you may name specific resources in the "Additional Comments" space at the end of this survey)
32. I am able to identify the particular curriculum framework standards being addressed by technology-infused activities/units I teach
33. I am familiar with my district's technology skills expectations for my students' grade level
34. I feel personally responsible for guiding my students in the use of appropriate technology tools and strategies within their learning activities

My Access to Technology at School

Please indicate whether you have (yes) or do not have (no) access to the following technology tools in your school. Please check "no" if you do not know whether or not you have the item listed.

	Yes	No
35. Networked computer in your classroom for teacher use
36. Networked computer(s) in your classroom for student use (distinct from the teacher use machine identified above)
37.Classroom-level access to the Internet/WWW
38. Digital projector
39. Digital Camera
40. Web-authoring software
41. Graphics software (e.g., Photoshop, Fireworks, etc.)
42. Audio editing software (e.g., CoolEdit, etc.)
43. Video editing software (e.g., iMovie, Movie Maker, Final Cut, Quicktime Pro)
44. Wireless laptops (i.e., a laptop cart) for student use
45. Wired lab of computers for student use (i.e., a computer lab)
46. Access to an Instructional Technology Specialist (someone who can assist with instructional issues related to integrating technology) during the course of your teaching day

Additional Comments

Use this section to add clarification to any question, or to add any thoughts you might have on any aspect (positive or negative) of how instructional technology impacts your teaching and your students' learning. You may also use this section to add clarifying comments from any of your above responses (e.g., what "other" role you may fill in your school).

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