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Skill Assessment Survey:
US West/NEA results

This Skill Assessment Survey was sent out in early December, 1996, to 1995-1997 participants in the Oregon USWest/NEA Teacher Network program. The survey was designed to provide the OPEN Clearinghouse JITT project with a preliminary assessment that would help establish points of entry for the project. Each recipient was asked to complete the survey and have two other teachers from his/her school (of "average computer expertise" for the school) complete the survey as well. This is a compilation of the results.


Tell Us About You

Your Name (optional):
E-Mail:
School/District:

I am a:

__57_ Teacher
___2_ Library/Media Specialist
___3_ Administrator

My primary assignment is:

__31_ Elementary
__17_ Middle School
__17_ High School
_____ Other (please specify)

I'm most familiar with:

_____ Mac
_____ DOS
_____ Win 3.1
_____ Win95
_____ Other (please specify)

Skill Assessment

Mark the item that best indicates your skill level in each of the following categories. Mark only one for each category.

Note: some respondents marked more than one response in some categories, particularly in the Preference category. In the Preference category, all responses were recorded; in others, a judgment call was made and only one response was recorded for each category.

Basic Computer Use

__0_ I do not use a computer.
__7_ I can use a computer to do a few basic things if the programs are already installed.
_18_ I can install software, set up printers, print, and use system tools like the scrapbook (clipboard), notepad, find command, and trash can (recycle bin).
_16_ I can run two or more programs simultaneously, and have several windows open at the same time. I can customize the look and sounds of my computer.
_22_ I look for programs and techniques to optimize my operating system. I feel confident enough to teach others basic computer operations.

File Management

__1_ I don't save any documents.
__4_ I save documents on the computer but I don't know where to find them later. I don't back up my files.
_45_ I have a filing system for my documents and can find them quickly and reliably.
_11_ I regularly use a backup program to make multiple copies of my files. I have a system for archiving files that I don't need on a regular basis to conserve hard drive space.

Netscape Operation and Internet Research

_14_ I do not use Netscape or any other Web browser (e.g., MS Internet Explorer, Mosaic).
_15_ I can start up Netscape (or other Web browser) and use World Wide Web menus to find basic information on the Internet, but I feel like I'm lost in the Web.
_21_ I am able to make profitable use of Web searching software as well as lists of Internet resources to explore educational opportunities.
_13_ I can create my own HTML pages and hot-lists of resources.

Telecommunications Use

__1_ I do not use electronic mail, nor can I see how it would benefit my work.
_29_ I understand there are resources available to me as a teacher which can be accessed with electronic mail (and, use e-mail to communicate with family & friends, check regularly).
_26_ I use e-mail to access information from listservs. I am an active participant in online discussions, and check my e-mail account regularly.
__5_ I involve students in using e-mail to communicate with other students and/or adult resources.

Ethical Use Understanding

__0_ I am not aware of any ethical issues surrounding computer use.
_27_ I know that some copyright restrictions apply to computer software, and that ethical issues on use of the Internet are growing.
_24_ I clearly understand the ethical issues with regard to software copyright, appropriate citation, and information use.
_12_ I engage my students in the discussion and learning of ethical use of information, including appropriate citation of sources and adherence to copyright regulations.

Integrating Technology and Learning

__9_ I need help in understanding how to blend the use of new technology into classroom activities.
_29_ I would like to blend the use of new technologies into classroom activities more often but I don't have enough time or access to equipment, and I need more help understanding what strategies will work and how to do it.
_13_ From time to time, I encourage students to employ new technologies to support the communicating, data analysis, and problem solving outlined in district and state curriculum documents.
_13_ I frequently encourage students to employ new technologies to support the communicating, data analysis, and problem solving outlined in district and state curriculum documents.

Your Access to the Internet at School

_11_ I do not have access.
_17_ I have access but my students don't.
_18_ My students and I have limited access.
_12_ My students and I have adequate access to conduct lessons.

Preference

I would benefit most from training in the following category:

__2_ Basic Computer Use
_12_ File Management
_25_ Netscape Operation and Internet Research
_14_ Telecommunications
__8_ Ethical Use Issues
_41_ Integrating Technology and Learning

Comments:

Please use this space to let us know 1) what other areas are important for us to consider, 2) particular technical skills you have that you would share with others online or as a mentor.

In response to 1) above, people answered:

  • "Thanks for asking. No one ever has before."
  • "Living in the 'outback' sometimes makes knowing what's available difficult. I often find other teachers who have come upon a source of information or capability on WWW that is interesting and to some degree useful. I don't spend much time browsing just to see what's out there. ... I know much technology is available... if we only knew something about it and had the confidence to get better. ...Concept of group of educators willing to work together to teach one another would be advantageous."
  • More time to develop lessons and continued support (like USWest grant) to explore and become more comfortable.
  • Troubleshooting computers and peripherals.
  • "How to use this in my class."
  • Search issues with students (pornography, etc.).
  • Desktop publishing as it relates to publishing yearbooks and school newspapers.
  • McRel has great sites with usable stuff.
  • Techniques for developing lessons that integrate technology and the classroom.
  • Writing and research opportunities for students; resources for senior projects.
  • "Communication network of ideas and interesting educational applications--that could save me time and continue to supplement the ideas I already have."
  • "I have a life away from my computer; not enough time to spend hours online for fun or discussion."
  • Lack ot time and limited equipment are barriers. Administrators expect massive gain from technology use without a massive investment in time.
  • More project ideas/examples for lower elementary students.
  • "I would like to know how to join listservs and more about FTP." Oregon City
  • File management, including WWW bookmarks. "Teachers are overwhelmed and frustrated on organizing files and using attachments." Pine Eagle HS
  • How to use Internet tools like Fetch, Gopher, Archie, Veronica, FTP. Oregon City
  • Clean and update current labs; get rid of the junk collection. Send out flyers on new material. Visit schools and demonstrate "new stuff." Oregon City
  • Electronic grading and portfolios over our network, and the best ways to utilize our server.
  • I don't use Netscape or any other browser but I would. My students and I have adequate access to the Internet but I don't know how.
  • How to use email!
  • Would like to have time to practice skills on the computer so as to make myself more proficient in software and teaching.

Mentors

In response to 2):

School/DistPositionLevel
 Skills/Experience/Interest

Portland Public SchoolsTeacherElem
 "I am learning how to take something off the Netscape and put it into Clarisworks, possibly as a slide show. My partner has spent more time on this. She is a great help to me!"

West Linn/ Wilsonville SDLibrary/ Media SpecialistElem
"Gladly, love to answer questions because it always expands my own understanding."

Pilot Rock SDTeacherHS
 "I have some skills w/ DOS, Windows 3.11, and have experience with Novell Netware 4.1. I would be willing to share what I know with others who need help. Windows 95 is new to me; I installed it at home 1 1/2 years ago but found it to be burdensome in network administration at that time so reverted to 3.11. It's time to move forward with WIN95."

Forest GroveTeacherElem
 "I have developed some initial units to introduce students to the Internet."

North BendTeacher/ AdminMS
 "I have a lot of technical expertise but am not sure that I have the time to offer others as a mentor. I do offer my assistance to other teachers and conduct workshops for our building."

Pine Eagle HSAdminHS
 "Any 'basic' programs are within my expertise. Programming or scripting are years ago--I am not up to date currently."

PES/Phoenix-Talent SchoolsTeacherElem
 "I have been teaching computing skills to the staff at my school for two years. I have just completed a 5 week, 10 hour course covering beginning and advanced techniques. I am, in cooperation with my Metwork team member, helping to provide technical support and posting FAQs for the USWest/OTN. I am a Mac person and would be willing to help troubleshoot and serve as a mentor online."

South Wasco County HSTeacherHS
willing to share "my own educational experiences with technology."

Jordan Valley SD #3TeacherMS, HS
 "I may be interested in being an online mentor if I knew what was expected. I don't think I have a lot of knowledge but I am willing to share what I do know."

Faulconer, Sheridan SDTeacherElem
 "My experience is specifically Macintosh. My students (grades 2/3) are involved with key-pals using Eudora e-mail, and are using Hyperstudio to create multi-media projects. I know a bit about Hyperstudio and would be happy to be a resource (I think!?)."

Phoenix-TalentTeacherElem
 "I will be more than willing to learn anything. If someone can teach me, I'd be happy to teach classes."

This survey adapted from Portland Public Schools and Online Internet Institute surveys.