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North Dakota School Technology Assessments

It is no longer enough to be accountable for installation of equipment and networks, the public, as well as educators are asking, “so what?”

- Bernajean Porter Grappling with Accountability, 1999

What is School Technology Assessment?

School technology assessment is a process in which a school district gathers data on the use of educational technology in support of student learning. Evidence gathered through the assessment process enables a district to make decisions impacting student achievement based on sound knowledge of their students and the learning environment.

Data collection tools include surveys, inventories, student products, interviews and building visits. The process involves staff and stakeholders from across the district and is facilitated by a district project lead team and EduTech staff.

Purpose of the Assessment

Data collection guides districts to stay on track with their vision of what schools must do to ensure their students are being prepared for a changing world.

What can the data do for us?

  • Use the information for the purpose of capturing a “snapshot” of the district and its use of technology to support student learning.
  • Identify gaps in the vision that need attention and strengthening.
  • Provide a foundation for districts to refine and move forward with their plans of using technology to support the curriculum.
  • The information can be used by a district to answer questions requested at the state and federal levels for maintaining program funds and special projects.

Why Technology Assessment?

Schools and their stakeholders can better understand technology’s impact by gathering, documenting, and communicating the results, benefits, and effectiveness of technology’s role in preparing students for their future work.

We need to answer the questions:

  1. “What are the results of our $ investment $ in technology?”
  2. “What is this doing to benefit student learning?

A National Perspective: North Dakota’s work in technology assessment is based on national level research and best-practices.

  • National Educational Technology Standards (NETS, an ongoing initiative by the International Society for Technology in Education and a consortium of partners)
  • Milken Foundation, CEO Forum, NCREL’s enGauge
  • NCRTEC (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
  • Illinois “Next Steps” Pilot Project

A North Dakota Perspective: The state has developed processes and tools for implementation.

  • North Dakota State Technology Plan
    • North Dakota’s Nine Essential Conditions
  • Assessment tools are aligned to North Dakota’s Essential Conditions and other state educational technology initiatives
  • State Pilot Projects Completed 2001-2002

Project Coordination

The School District

  • Project Lead Team (communicate and facilitate)
  • Building Technology Facilitators
  • Media Specialists
  • Other key stakeholders in the district such as school improvement committee, school board, and other staff or community members.

EduTech

  • Project facilitation
  • Coordination of External Evaluation team
  • Data analysis
  • Conclusions and Recommendations

Planning for School Technology Assessment in your District

Allow adequate time for the complete process which includes:

  • planning
  • communication to stakeholders
  • implementation
  • report writing
  • follow-up prioritizing

Identify a project lead team that will assist in the planning, communicating and facilitating of the project from start to finish.

Prepare all staff and stakeholders for the process through open and clear communication of “why, how and what”.

Pricing Structure Customized by District Size

Pricing for a School Technology Assessment project varies with the size of the district and the sample size chosen to participate in the data collection.

Fees billed to the district are for professional services provided by EduTech staff. All expenses incurred by external evaluators for travel, meals and lodging are covered by EduTech.

Last Updated On October 12, 2005