School Technology Survey Cari Vanderheyden
Observational checklist to measure the level of technological development
This observational checklist instrument is designed to assess the level of technology development and
implementation in a computer environment. The checklist measures development and implementation in four
areas: Hardware, Software, Level of trained personnel, and the evaluation process. Students must write a report
identifying the level of technological development in their work environment. This report should include, but is
not limited to; identifying computer configuration, computer platform(s), software applications, computer
peripherals (printers, scanners, digital cameras, CD ROM), level of in-service computer training for teachers,
student/computer ratio and teacher/computer ratio. Just use this outline and “type” the answers right after the
questions.
1. Hardware check
a. What computer platform is used? (e.g., Macintosh or Windows)?
Windows (981 desktop, 92 laptop computers) and “one” lab of Macs for digital
photography (39 desktop)
b. What computer model is used? Handhelds (e.g., PalmPilots)?
We do not use handhelds. We do use TI calculators, Smart Slates, iPads
c. What computer operating system is used? (e.g., Mac OS10 or Windows XP)?
Windows XP and Windows 7, OS X
d. What computer add-on devices are used?
18 networked printers, 140 stand-alone printers, 36 scanners, 12 digital cameras,
9 digital movie cameras, 1 satellite dish, 103 televisions, 6 video microscopes, 110
LCD projection devices, 6 fax machines, 80 graphing calculators, 3 adaptive
devices, 20 science Probeware, 40 electronic whiteboards, and 61 document
cameras
e. What computer configuration is used?
Min. 3 ghz, 2 gigs RAM, Windows XP, Novell client
f. What type high-speed connection is used to access the Internet?
Wireless 20 Mhz, T1’s at 3 Mhz, Cable modem at 20 Mhz, 10 servers, 2 routers,
38 switches, 10 wireless access points, 2 firewall, 1 spam filter, and 1 content
filter
2. Software check:
a. What type of multimedia authoring programs in use?
Powerpoint, Smart Notebook, Audacity, Visual Basic, Skyward gradebook,
Mastery Manager, Novell Client
b. What type of Internet programs in use?
Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Plato, Various online library databases
c. What type of word processing programs in use? Spreadsheet? Other?
Office 2010 package, Accounting classes at Hononegah use Peachtree
Accounting and QuickBooks. The Web programming classes use Visual Basic
6.0. The Web design classes at Hononegah use Adobe Flash, Adobe
Dreamweaver, and Fireworks. Math programs that are in use at Hononegah
include Web based software on www.KutaSoftware.com including Infinite
Algebra, Infinite Pre-Algebra, and Infinite Geometry. The math department
also uses Smart Notebook and Geometer’s Sketchpad. The use of Autodesk,
CAD, Revit, Inventor, 3D modeling is also available in the career and technical
education department (CTE). The graphic design program at Hononegah uses
the Adobe CS4 Suite, which includes InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and
Acrobat
d. What type of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) programs in use?
Autodesk’s AutoCAD
e. What type of statistical programs in use?
Infinite Algebra, Infinite Pre-algebra, Infinite Geometry, Infinite Algebra II
f. How often is software updated? As funds are available, Office 2010 this summer
3. Level of training and trained personnel check
a. How many teachers are trained to use the computers? All
b. How many administrators are trained to use computers? All
c. How many staff people are trained to use computers? All
d. What is the computer/teacher ratio? 1:1
e. How many in-service training sessions in the past three years? 6
f. How many teachers, administrators and staff have computers at home? All, if not
they are available through the school
4. Evaluation process that measures learning achievement and evaluate pedagogical
techniques that have proven successful?
a. What is the computer/student ratio? 1:2 (2 students to each computer)
b. What kind of evaluation is in place? The most recent technology plan is based
upon research on the schools current technology offerings and surveys taken by
the staff, students, and parents of the Hononegah community at the end of 2009.
This research is then combined with the students EXPLORE-8 test results,
PLAN test scores, PSAE test results, ACT test results, a summary of
intervention programs, advanced placement tests, freshman and sophomore
English failure rates, freshman and sophomore Math failure rates, a summary of
HOMANI program rates, and Response to Intervention (RtI) program rates
c. How often evaluated? Every 4 years (last in 2010)
d. Who does the evaluation? Technology Department Head, Administration
(principal) and a team setup through the school improvement plan team
Do you feel the technology and support/training is adequate for your school/workplace? Why or why not?
Based upon my research and Hononegah High School’s Technology Integration Plan, I believe
that the school has above average access to hardware, software, and Internet access. I also believe that
based upon these items the schools professional development opportunities in technology are not
adequate. Furthermore, I believe that many teachers are unprepared to properly use the technology
which is available at the school. This unpreparedness will cause a disruption in the teachers ability to
properly integrate technology in their classroom. Also, because of this, Hononegah teachers will see a
gap in their ability to support the increase desired in student achievement.