This needs assessment was conducted at Elm City Elementary school to evaluate the school's technology needs. Surveys were given to teachers, staff, students, and parents to identify challenges and desires regarding technology use. The results found that most teachers felt the school's computers needed upgrades, and that more training was wanted on various software. Over half of students did not have access to computers at home. The needs assessment recommends upgrading computers, providing more technology training for teachers, making the technology plan more accessible, and hiring more full-time technology facilitators.
2. Introduction This needs assessment is for my local school within the Wilson County School system, Elm City Elementary. This assessment will take into account the school’s technology status as compared to the district as a whole, along with an analysis of the emerging needs as it stands in an educational and cultural marketplace.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Survey Questions (these questions were formulated, using multiple-choice and open-ended responses) What more would you like Elm City Elementary to do with technology? What would you like to do more at Elm City Elementary with technology? What challenges do you face with technology at Elm City Elementary? Are you able to help your child with technology at times? Do you know how to type a letter, or create a spreadsheet? What Microsoft applications do you use the most (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc)? Does your child know more about computers and software than you? Do you have Internet at home, and if so, what do you mostly do on it? What do you use the Internet for, and how do your students use it? Does your child’s teacher use technology a great deal? Do you see your teacher use technology, and in what ways? Do you integrate technology with your lesson plans? If so, how? What do you see your child doing on the computer, or the Internet? Do you use the computer to help you with homework or other school projects? How? What do you mostly do on the computer to help you with the curriculum? Do you have a computer at home; if so, how much do you use it? How much do you use the computer at school and at home? How much access do you have to technology? Parents Students Teacher/Staff
11. Findings The proposals of the survey and focus group attention will be published using the school newsletter, both printed and web-based. Also a link to this report will be provided on the school website itself, allowing parents and others to view. An online template will be built, in order for anyone to submit opinions and options. Any significant and noteworthy revisions will be documented and submitted to the principal and key members of the district technology department for approval.