CEP 812: Teachers and Technology survey

 812 survey conclusions                                  (trends are highlighted)

Based on the survey I conducted this week: 

I can conclude that most of the teachers I surveyed are comfortable or extremely comfortable with the use of technology in their classrooms.  I can conclude that in all 10 classrooms technology is used at least 2 times a week.  All teachers have access to a computer and a projector.  Less than half of the teachers surveyed have access to a smart-board (either SMART brand, e-beam or Promethean)  and/or a document camera (Elmo).  Most teachers plan their lessons online. Less than half use software available on their computers.  Most teachers execute their lessons via presentation software and websites to present information and conduct instruction.  Some teachers also use online instruction tools.  All teachers surveyed said they would like to have a student response system in their classroom.  7 out of 10 teachers said they would like to have iPads for everyone in their classroom.  3 teachers said they would like to have an electronic assignment system (paperless classroom); a computer station with upto 10 computers, dual screens with mounted projectors.  8 out of 10 teachers said they would consider taking a professional development course focused on technology. 

In the written response sections teachers had some common elements about how they would integrate technology into their classrooms.

·         Utilize technology without taking away from the classroom environment

·         Would love for every student to have access

·         Student Response System (SRS) would make assignments simple and immediate

·         (technology) allow all students access

·         Flipped classroom or at least a paperless one

·         Only a class set of iPads (to prevent student abuse of internet and games)

·         I could have all my students working on websites

·         I would use clickers to play review games before match and social studies tests

·         I would make technology more available

·         Student access to the internet and programs selected for them by the teacher

·         I’d have access to everything that could help make my students successful

·         iClickers and iPads = increased student participation and increased level of interest

·         Easier grading

·         Differentiated instruction and more developed projects

The final question on the survey, also a written response question, lacked sufficient data.  The only themes I could infer are online/digital presentation of information and student response systems.  There was some interest into eReaders and iPads as well as paperless classrooms.  Some people didn't seem interested in attending technology professional developments.  

Most teachers, while they support technology use, have some concerns about the availiability of the tools they would like to use as well as how to maintain control over the use of technology.  While is sounds wonderful to many of us to have an iPad for every student, the reality is that not every student in every class will use it as it is intended, nor will every student in every school have access.  

After review that data that I have collected, I curious how this information will change when I switch schools in the fall.  I will be leaving a school where it is difficult to gain access to technology in favor of a Career and Technical Academy that requires all students to have computer user access.  I'm also curious about how this survey would look had I had the ability to get all teachers at either or both schools to take it.  Would the results be the same when 60 teachers participate? What about 80-100?