The needs assessment report summarizes the needs of Masters Elementary School which has 400 students and 30 teachers. The school has a goal of technological literacy but its computer lab has 30 outdated computers without internet access. Teachers spend one hour weekly in the lab. Problems identified include outdated software/hardware, lack of internet access, varying technology competencies among staff, and teachers being unsure how to integrate technology into lessons. A performance gap analysis showed most teachers have not been trained to use technology and do not own computers. Causes of these gaps included a lack of teacher skills, training, resources and guidelines for classroom technology use. Proposed solutions are to provide training over two days, have experienced teachers mentor others, develop a community for sharing ideas,
2. Background
Masters Elementary school
is a public school serving 400 students with 30 teaching staff.
Goal is to have students and staff technologically literate.
Has a computer lab with 30 outdated computers not connected to the internet.
Has two computers with internet connections.
Was promised funding but has not received it yet.
Invited a team of instructional designers to assess the technological needs and make a
proposal.
Teachers with their students spend 1 hour weekly in the lab.
3. Problems identified
Outdated software and hardware
No internet access
Some teachers did not own a personal computer.
Varying competencies among staff in the use of technology
Teachers unsure of what technology resources to include in classroom instruction
Principal wanted to begin training even though there are limited software and
hardware
Only two days available for training.
4. Performance Gap
Desired Performance Actual Performance Gaps
100% staff trained to use technology in the
performance of their duties the school.
0% of teachers trained to use technology in the
classroom
100% of teachers are not trained in the use of
technology in the performance of their duties.
100% of teachers own their own computers 40% of teachers own their own computer 60% of teachers do not own their own computers.
100% of teachers’ knowledgeable of what resources
to use with their respective classes.
40% of teachers are knowledgeable of what
resources are to be used with their respective
classes
60% of the teachers are not knowledgeable of
what resources are to be used with their respective
classes.
100% of teachers integrating technology into their
daily classroom instruction
35% of teachers integrate technology into their
daily classroom instruction.
65% of the teachers do not integrate technology
into their daily classroom instruction.
100% of teachers trained in the use of computer
software applications such as Microsoft Word and
PowerPoint
20% of the teachers are trained in the use of
computer software applications.
80% of the teachers are not trained in the use of
computer software applications
Gaps confirmed by
conducting
Observations
Surveys
Environmental Analysis
Organizational Analysis
Discussion with principal
5. Causes of Performance Gap
Lack of skills and knowledge
Teachers have not received any on
the job training
Most do not have the skills
necessary to effectively integrate
technology in the classroom.
Lack of resources, Environment
support and tools
Some teachers do own computers
School has limited software and
hardware
No guidelines regarding technology
usage in the classroom.
No collaboration among teachers .
6. Proposed Solutions
Training
Conduct training on the two days identified by the school.
Mentoring
Have competent teachers provide guidance to the less competent ones.
Community of Professional Practice
Develop a community of members from all across the school district to share ideas
and to reflect of successes and failures.
Motivation
Introduce rewards to encourage teachers to perform at their best and to seek
further training from outside sources.