EdTech501 Needs Assessment Summer 2009

1. Attached you will find the Technology Needs Assessment for a fictional school called
Grassy Knoll Elementary School. I chose an elementary school as my subject because I
am an elementary educator. I am not currently teaching at a school full-time due to
my Master's program, so I decided to create a fictional school.
The first section pertains to general demographics. These questions can help in
planning future training by giving an idea of who could use training in certain areas,
or who would like more training in an area.
The next section is about Basic Computer Usage. For this part of the survey and
subsequent sections, I used the NETS-Teachers rating system of Novice, Developing,
and Expert. This is shown as a scale of 1-5 on the survey, with 1 being Novice, 3
being Developing, and 5 is Expert. The questions show the grass-roots computer
knowledge of staff members.
The section on Multimedia is all about the hardware. This includes everything
requiring technology use withinthe school from computers to music sound systems.
Technology is not just computers. Schools use many devices and it is surprising how
many teachers are not trained on objects such as overhead projectors!
The next section is about programming and software use. In this section, the staff is
asked about their basic and advanced computer software use and which specific
programs they are knowledgeable in.
The section about Current Usage in the Classroom is asking specifically teachers what
programs they utilize in their rooms and other multimedia used. According to
NETS, all teachers and support staff should be able to apply technology resources to
enhance their productivity and professional practice. This includes using technology
software and hardware to enhance lessons.
The next section is about Technology Integration. This is a lengthy section that has
the most detailed questions. NETS recommends that all teachers and support staff
be able to implement curriculum plans that integrate technology in a way to
maximize student learning. Teachers and support staff should:
 Use technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and
student technology standards.
 Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address diverse
needs.
 Apply technology to develop higher-order thinking skills and creativity.
 Manage students during technology-enhanced activities.

2. The next section relates to Ethics. NETS recommends that all teachers and support
staff be able to understand social, ethical, legal and human issues in the PK-12
environment and apply that understanding in everyday practice. Teachers and support
staff should:
 Model and teach legal and ethical practices with respect to technology.
 Apply technology resources to enable and empower diverse learners.
 Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.
 Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
 Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.
The next section is about Assessment and Evaluation. According to NETS, all teachers
and support staff be able to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective
assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers and support staff should:
 Apply technology to assess student learning of subject matter using a variety of
assessment techniques
 Use technology to collect and analyze student assessment data so that findings
are communicated to students and parents so as to improve instructional
practice and maximize student learning.
 Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students’ appropriate use
of technology resources for learning, communication and productivity.
The final section of the survey has to do with Professional Development and Training.
I asked questions about the staff member's interest in furthering their training and if
they would like to be a part of a school "Technology Team" to help with future
training and programs. Finally, I asked the staff what "grade" they would give the
overall technology programs, both for teachers and students. I thought it would be
interesting to know how people really feel about what the school has to offer for
technology. Hopefully, if they give the school a good or bad grade, they will leave
their comments in the "Comment/Suggestions" box at the bottom of the survey.