Focus+Groups

Focus Groups
1. What are the (physical) constraints/obstacles/barriers that are keeping you from integrating technology more effectively, and what can we do to help? 2. Do you think there is equitable access to technology in all classrooms/schools? Why or why not? What could we do to help? 3. Does the professional development in which you have participated during the past twelve months meet your technology integration needs as a classroom teacher? Why or why not? 4. What, if any, incentives exist for motivating you to integrate technology into your curriculum and other learning activities? What might motivate you to integrate technology? Beyond whatever initiatives might have existed, what changes, programs, etc... would you like to see your school or the district develop? || 8-12 people 1. What are the (physical) constraints/obstacles/barriers that are keeping you from integrating technology more effectively, and what can we do to help? 2. Do you think there is equitable access to technology in all classrooms/schools? Why or why not? What could we do to help? 3. Does the professional development in which you have participated during the past twelve months meet your technology integration needs as a classroom teacher? Why or why not? 4. What, if any, incentives exist for motivating you to integrate technology into your curriculum and other learning activities? What might motivate you to integrate technology? Beyond whatever initiatives might have existed, what changes, programs, etc... would you like to see your school or the district develop? || 8-12 people || 8-12 people || In your classroom, which of the following do you use? (List applications or sites) Check all that apply. In your classroom, which of the following do your students use? (List applications or sites) Check all that apply. Do your administrators review your lesson plans to find evidence of technology integration into your content standards? Other than paper and pencil, how do you communicate with students, parents, and administrators? (List options) Please check all that apply. Would you be able to benefit from having a full-time tech coordinator to assist in technology integration in your classroom? Does your administration support, encourage, and provide resources for your participation in technology professional development? Why or why not? When equipment repairs are needed, how long before the problem is resolved? (List options for time frames) || In your classroom, which of the following do you use? (List applications or sites) Check all that apply. In your classroom, which of the following do your students use? (List applications or sites) Check all that apply. Do your administrators review your lesson plans to find evidence of technology integration into your content standards? Other than paper and pencil, how do you communicate with students, parents, and administrators? (List options) Please check all that apply. Would you be able to benefit from having a full-time tech coordinator to assist in technology integration in your classroom? Does your administration support, encourage, and provide resources for your participation in technology professional development? Why or why not? When equipment repairs are needed, how long before the problem is resolved? (List options for time frames) ||  ||   ||
 * Directions for Focus Groups**: Tech Reps should meet with their principal and decide 8-12 people that should be in this focus group. You need to choose a good sample of the staff (varying grade levels, different levels of ability in relation to technlogy, varying levels of experience in teaching, etc...). After selection of the group, plan a meeting with the group (it should take at least an hour). During the meeting, ask the group the questions listed for your grade level. Do not give them the questions ahead of time. Do not give them the questions in writing. The Tech Rep will facilitate the discussion and compile the responses, notes and comments and send them to me in a word document. Please ask someone to take notes for you as you facilitate the discussion. Please ask your teachers to be candid and honest. We will share this data once it is compiled across the district. We will not post individual school results.
 * || Elementary || MIddle/High || Administrators || Community ||
 * Focus Groups || 8-12 people
 * Surveys || Do you integrate the technology standards into your curriculum? (list options)
 * Interviews || Do you integrate the technology standards into your curriculum? List specific ways that you have integrated technology into your content area.

Do your administrators model daily use of technology? If so, how?

Do you share with your colleagues the knowledge gained at the technology professional development activities? How? Do you conduct a follow up session or conversation?

How would you be able to benefit from having a full-time school level instructional tech coordinator to assist in technology integration in your classroom? || Do you integrate the technology standards into your curriculum? List specific ways that you have integrated technology into your content area.

Do your administrators model daily use of technology? If so, how?

Do you share with your colleagues the knowledge gained at the technology professional development activities? How? Do you conduct a follow up session or conversation?

How would you be able to benefit from having a full-time school level instructional tech coordinator to assist in technology integration in your classroom? || Do you model daily use of technology? If so, how? (List options) Please check all that apply. Do you review lesson plans to find evidence of technology integration into the content standards? Are you providing technology professional development onsite? If so, please describe... || Lesson plans are available and clearly indicate implementation of technology. Students interacting with technology tools. Administrators modeling use of technology. ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Observations || Is equipment readily accessible to teachers, students and staff? (In classrooms, teacher computer? student computers? etc...)
 * Observations || Is equipment readily accessible to teachers, students and staff? (In classrooms, teacher computer? student computers? etc...)

Data collected through roundtable discussions -- click here for results.