 June 06, 2002
Surprisingly, the survey reveals a key role for students in keeping their schools' computers running and connected to the Internet, with more than half (54 percent) of districts relying on students for technical support. Moreover, in a trend that may mark the beginning of a sea change in learning and the relationship between students and teachers, school leaders project that students will receive considerably more instruction online in the next three years. "With increasing pressures to improve student achievement and bridge the digital divide, school leaders need to better integrate technology into the curriculum as a major learning tool," said Robin Thurman, director of the National School Boards Foundation (NSBF), at a press briefing in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. NSBF, anaffiliate of the National School Boards Association, commissioned the survey, "Are We There Yet?" "This data will help inform our development of education resources and content that meet school needs and capabilities," said Robert T. Coonrod, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), lead sponsor of the survey. "We want to be sure that as more and more people turn to the Internet, public broadcasting is there to serve them." Among the findings:
The bottom line: While school districts have made great progress in joining the digital age, they still have a long way to go to take full advantage of technology for teaching and learning in the classroom. "Technology, the Internet, standards and accountability are transforming education," said John Super, vice president, strategic planning at PLATO Learning, Inc., a sponsor of the survey. "This survey is not only an important measurement of where we are but also, more importantly, a powerful indicator of what more we have to accomplish to achieve success. No longer is it a question of getting technology into the school. Indeed, we are getting there. Now the question is, how can we use our technology more effectively? This survey helps solidify the critical issues important for educators, communities and parents everywhere." For school boards and school and community leaders, the survey provides insight into policies and practices that could help schools become more effective users of technology. Among NSBF's key recommendations for school and community leaders: Invest significantly in professional training for teachers and broaden business and community involvement. "It is important that the business community assist schools in closing the technology gap and making sure that teachers and students are properly trained in the use of technology," Thurman said. "While school districts face increasing budget constraints, the results of this survey indicate they must not put technology training on the back burner." "Access to technology and education are key to economic success and lifelong learning in the 21st century," added Marilyn Reznick, vice president, AT&T Foundation, a sponsor of the survey. "Today's workforce demands not only literacy in the traditional sense, but technical literacy as well. We must ensure that students are prepared to enter this world of work and to sustain a lifetime of learning. To do this, we must continue our commitment to support teachers and schools in the effective, appropriate use of technology."
About the Survey The findings are based on telephone interviews with technology decisionmakers in 811 School districts, including 90 of the largest 100 districts (more than 25,000 students), 398 medium-sized districts (2,500 to 24,999 students) and 323 small districts (up to 2,499 students). Grunwald Associates, a leading market research firm specializing in technology, developed and managed the survey, with research assistance from Rockman et al. An electronic version of the report and data are available at the National School Boards Foundation web site.
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