Survey Results: Tech Literacy in Indiana

A Technology Literacy survey was implemented in April 2008 to gain the opinions of Indiana teachers regarding the preparedness of teachers and students to meet technology expectations. The survey also asked whether Indiana should adopt technology skill standards.

The results showed that the majority of respondents (including teachers, administrators, and tech coordinators) felt that students are technology literate, teachers are not. It was also felt by the majority that our schools are not preparing students with appropriate technology skills. The vast majority (almost 90%) felt that Indiana should adopt technology skill standards.

A summary of the results and sampling of comments follow. Read the article debating whether or not students are technology literate.

Indiana was asked four questions:

1. Are today's teachers technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)
2. Are today's students technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)
3. Are schools preparing students to be technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)
4. Should Indiana adopt Technology Skill Standards? (Please explain why or why not)

Here are the results:

Sample Comments from the survey:

Question 1: Are today's teachers technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)

36% said YES:

• Yes, but only to the point that they need to survive. Only a small number of teachers actively seek to improve technology skills.
• While teachers are not tech gurus they have come very far in the last few year. They email, post grades and a number of other things.
• We are as literate as the budgets will allow. we just don't have the money to keep on the cutting edge.
• Some are because it has been forced upon them, others really enjoy working with and enhancing classroom projects through technology.
• There are many different levels of compentencies in our district.
• This is dependent upon the district and the amount of technology they are able to supply the school.

61% said NO:

• Because most only use word processing and a few internet sites. They don't have the time or the confidence to learn more.
• Many are reluctant to use technology to support student learning, largely due to lack of professional development
• "Technology support" at our school impedes as much instruction as it supports
• Some are some aren't. I am not.
• Many of my colleagues don't know how to do simple things in word processing programs.
• They may know how to use the technology but they do not know how to use it in teaching or evaluate its use in education.
• Some are, but too many do not do more than email, and Word. They are not knowledgeable as to how to integrate technology into their curriculum.

Question 2: Are today's students technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)

70% said YES:

• Because they have no fear in trying new things. They get most of their experience and learning outside of school.
• They do know how to text and use cell phones and start up the computer as well as various applications. Not so clear on file mgmt. and such.
• For entertainment purposes only. Only half of the students know how to employ technology to exhibit their intellectual work.
• They were born with an umbilical cord to the computer.
• More than their teachers are
• They have been immersed in technology since they were born. They eagerly adpot new technology and often find uses for it never before considered.

27% said NO:

• They know the basics - do not know many of the 21st Century Skills needed.
• Even the kids only see them as toys and not tools for their future.
• know how to access games, can't search web properly or type, let alone use higher tech skills
• They know how to play computer games, but do not even know keyboarding enough to be able to complete a project in a sufficient time period.
• They know how to use the computers for certain group communications applications, but not for the academic or business applications they will need.
• Not as it applies to education. Students can do more than the teachers, but educational applications are not being used.

Question 3: Are schools preparing students to be technology literate? (Please explain why or why not)

42% said YES:

• Schools are trying to keep students technology literate and are mandating many technology courses.
• Many are trying, but it is difficult to do with resistant teachers and NOT ENOUGH FUNDING!
• We are aware of the need to prepare our students to be technology literate, but much more could be done in the way of safety and real world experience
• They use the internet at a very young age, they are taught Microsoft Word, Exce, PowerPoint and Publisher. They are internet literate at 2nd grade
• Kind of. The kids are used to real world applications, and...we try to squelch that with school ideas.
• Some are; most districts have funds that allow for the purchase of technology. The problem is with adults who can't or won't learn how to use it.

54% said NO:

• There is not a requirement or accountability for doing so at this point in Indiana.
• The majority of them, no. Students need to access technology every day in every class. All students need a laptop & not many districts are doing so.
• Students may be comfortable with computers, but they need instruction in how to use internet tools safely and efficiently to enhance their learning.
• We teach students to use technology, but we don't do such a good job of teaching students to assess when to use it and how valid tech resources are.
• To much paper and pencil, reflect on how the past generation was educated.
• With budget cuts and lack of teacher professional development, many students are not getting the necessary tools to become technology literate.

Question 4: Should Indiana adopt Technology Skill Standards? (Please explain why or why not)

87% said YES:

• We need some very basic standards that could be reached by all schools. Concentrate on keyboarding, spread sheets, charts and graphs and multimedia.
• Taxpayers should expect consistency in expectations. Our school has a technology test but asks questions about capacity of various floppy disks
• Unfortunately, many teachers will not meet students' needs unless it is mandated.
• Students will be required to use these skills in the workforce and higher education. It is unavoidable.
• While skills such as reading and math are important,it is equally important for students to develop technology, info lit and critical thinking skills.
• I think all teachers and students should meet a certain technology standard.

8% said NO:

• Not every area has the money to keep abreast of the latest tech. Society feels that they are taxed to the max already for average teaching needs.
• We are standarded out!
• Why? It will be an unfunded mandate and the kids will learn only if they want to. Why make the politicians preen when it wil be worthless.
• I don't think there is enough definition and assurance of available equipment and bandwidth to set meaningful standards.
• The money is not out there it make it equitable for all schools to have the same type of technology and thus no standards state wide can be met.
• While it would be nice, it would take a huge investment in equipment and teachers to be able to make this a viable reality.