Speak Up 2008

Parent Survey

  District: NORTH SCHUYLKILL SD
  Results based on 64 survey(s).
Are you a..
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Mom 56 88% 80%
  Dad 6 9% 16%
  Grandparent 2 3% 2%
  Other relative or guardian 0 0% 2%
Please select any grades that your child(ren) attend.
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Preschool 1 2% 5%
  Kindergarten - Grade 1 - Grade 2 27 42% 28%
  Grade 3 - Grade 4 - Grade 5 23 36% 36%
  Grade 6 - Grade 7 - Grade 8 23 36% 39%
  Grade 9 - Grade 10 - Grade 11 - Grade 12 30 47% 38%
  Other 1 2% 3%
How would you describe your own technology skills?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  An advanced tech user – My skills are more advanced than most adults I know 16 25% 35%
  An average tech user – My skills are the same as most adults I know 44 69% 57%
  A beginner tech user -- I am still learning how to use most technology tools 4 6% 7%
What types of electronic devices do you have access to for your own use? (Check all that apply)
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Cell phone (without web access) 57 89% 90%
  Laptop computer 32 50% 72%
  Desktop computer 62 97% 91%
  Music or video device (e.g. MP3 player or iPod) 46 72% 75%
  Video Gaming System (xBox, Playstation, Wii) 50 78% 67%
  Hand-held game (like a GameBoy) 36 56% 49%
  Tablet PC 1 2% 5%
  Smartphone (with Internet access for example, Blackberry, iPhone) 9 14% 32%
  Other 4 6% 9%
What kind of Internet access do you have at home?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  A computer with no Internet access 0 0% 1%
  A computer with "dial-up" or slow Internet access 1 2% 3%
  A computer with fast Internet access (e.g. DSL, Broadband, or cable) 63 98% 93%
  I only use the Internet at a location other than my home, for example public library 0 0% 1%
  My only access to computers and the Internet is at work 0 0% 1%
  I do not have a computer in my home 0 0% 1%
How do you use Web 2.0 tools for your personal interests?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Communicate with others through discussion boards, social networking sites or chat 11 17% 24%
  Communicate with others through email, IM or text messaging 44 69% 69%
  Contribute to a wiki 0 0% 4%
  Create a list of resources I want to remember or share (e.g. del.icio.us, digg, diggo, magnolia etc.) 2 3% 7%
  Create new work using pre-existing text, graphics, audio, video or animation (Mashup) 7 11% 11%
  Participate in online games or virtual reality environments like Second Life 11 17% 10%
  Update profile (MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn or Friendster) 13 20% 28%
  Upload or download videos, podcasts or photos to the Internet 21 33% 41%
  Use web tools that notify me about things I'm interested in (e.g. news or magazine articles, changes to websites) 24 38% 37%
  Use web tools to create or modify and upload videos, music, audio or animation 12 19% 20%
  Write collaboratively with others (e.g. GOOGLE docs, writeboard or letterpop) 2 3% 8%
  Write or contribute to a blog (my own or someone else's) 7 11% 12%
  None of the above 5 8% 12%
Are you satisfied with the use of technology at your child's school? Which of the following would you rate as acceptable?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Access to information not available anywhere else 14 22% 13%
  Amount of technology available for student use 27 42% 35%
  Internet safety and privacy of personal information 37 58% 45%
  Priority placed on using technology 19 30% 25%
  Quality of hardware and software 24 38% 26%
  Teacher's skill in using technology 23 36% 31%
  Technology skills my child learns 32 50% 34%
  The amount of time spent using technology 20 31% 21%
  The way technology is used for academic purposes 32 50% 33%
  The use of my child's mobile devices within instruction 3 5% 7%
  Use of online textbook 11 17% 14%
  None of the above 3 5% 7%
  I don't know what technology is available at my child's school 6 9% 21%
How important is the effective implementation of technology within instruction to your child(ren)'s success?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Extremely Important 26 41% 49%
  Important 18 28% 29%
  Somewhat Important 4 6% 6%
  Not Important 1 2% 1%
  No Opinion 0 0% 1%
What are the top 3 things you think would improve technology use at your child(ren)'s school?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Classroom teachers should receive training on how to integrate technology into learning 24 38% 41%
  Classroom teachers should receive training on how to use technology tools 16 25% 24%
  Internet access should be wireless and available for students to use anywhere on campus 10 16% 14%
  Make sure that teachers use current, high quality technology products 16 25% 33%
  Include students' ideas on technology use at school 15 23% 20%
  Students should be able to use their own technology devices, such as laptops, that they bring to school 6 9% 9%
  Students should receive training on how to use technology for schoolwork 23 36% 42%
  Students should spend time every day using a wide variety of technology tools 12 19% 22%
  Technology tools should be integrated into daily instruction 18 28% 34%
  There should be enough technology at school for all students to use 23 36% 38%
  My child(ren) should have access to school computers and the Internet afterschool and on weekends 7 11% 8%
  My child(ren) should have access to school projects and the Internet from their home computers after hours 18 28% 24%
  Other 3 5% 4%
If you were on a technology committee for a new school, which of these would you recommend as a good investment to enhance student achievement?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Collaboration tools (e.g. blogs, social networking sites, wikis, bookmarking) 10 16% 12%
  Communications tools (such as email, IM and text messaging) 14 22% 21%
  Computer projection devices 16 25% 36%
  Digital media tools 12 19% 30%
  Digital resources (e.g. databases, animations, videos etc) 15 23% 32%
  Document camera 10 16% 18%
  Games/Virtual Simulations 8 13% 9%
  Handheld student response systems 8 13% 15%
  High tech instruments for science 19 30% 37%
  Interactive whiteboards (Smartboards) 27 42% 40%
  Laptop for each student 18 28% 27%
  Learning management systems 9 14% 21%
  Mobile devices 3 5% 6%
  Online Classes 12 19% 21%
  Online textbooks 26 41% 41%
  School portal 10 16% 22%
  Tablet PC for each student 7 11% 10%
  Tools that help my child(ren) organize their work (e.g. organize my assignments, take notes, organize my ideas) 25 39% 48%
  Unlimited Internet access 11 17% 8%
  Videoconferencing 16 25% 13%
  Other 2 3% 3%
Many schools are thinking about how to use mobile learning devices such as smart phones, PDAs and MP3 players within education. What do you think would be the primary benefits of using such devices in instruction?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Improves teacher-parent-student communications 20 31% 27%
  Increases student engagement in school and learning 17 27% 31%
  Increases teacher productivity 6 9% 12%
  Prepares students for the world of work 18 28% 29%
  Provides a way for instruction to be personalized for each student 17 27% 20%
  Provides a way for students to informally review classroom material 13 20% 22%
  Provides a way to help students who are struggling 17 27% 20%
  Students develop collaboration and teamwork skills 12 19% 16%
  Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills 14 22% 18%
  Students develop stronger communications skills 12 19% 17%
  These devices help to extend learning beyond the school day 15 23% 26%
  Use of these devices will help improve the teacher's technology skills 5 8% 11%
  I don't think these devices will positively impact learning 7 11% 15%
  No significant benefit 5 8% 11%
  Other 1 2% 2%
Imagine you can design a new kind of textbook for your child(ren) that will be 100% online. What should be included in that new online textbook to help your child(ren) learn? (Check all that apply)
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Ability to create podcasts or videos 8 13% 20%
  Ability to download information to their cell phone 5 8% 10%
  Ability to make electronic highlights or notes 27 42% 54%
  Access to online tutors at anytime 37 58% 55%
  Advanced topics to extend my child(ren)'s learning 23 36% 48%
  Animations and simulations that explain concepts 25 39% 50%
  Games to explore concepts or ideas my child(ren) are learning 20 31% 37%
  Links to real-time data (e.g. population, weather, NASA, earthquakes, Google Earth, etc) 25 39% 48%
  Links to useful websites 29 45% 51%
  PodCasts from subject experts 8 13% 26%
  PowerPoint presentations of lectures 18 28% 36%
  Quizzes and tests that my child(ren) can take on their own 31 48% 54%
  Self paced tutorials 23 36% 48%
  Tools to help my child(ren) collaborate or share information with their classmates (e.g. blogs, social networking sites, wikis, bookmarking) 11 17% 24%
  Tools to help my child(ren) develop their writing skills 25 39% 50%
  Tools to help my child(ren) organize their schoolwork (communications, organize assignments, take notes) 25 39% 50%
  Video clips about topics my child(ren) are studying 16 25% 34%
  Videoconference opportunities 13 20% 16%
  Virtual labs 17 27% 28%
  I don't think online textbooks are a good idea 2 3% 5%
  Other 1 2% 2%
In addition to knowing core content subjects, which of these information and media literacy skills are most important for your child(ren) to be successful in the 21st century? (Check all that apply)
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Ability to conduct research 38 59% 61%
  Ability to evaluate the relevance, authenticity, and credibility of resources 27 42% 57%
  Ability to identify information sources and how to locate them 29 45% 57%
  Ability to organize information 31 48% 63%
  Ability to summarize research 24 38% 56%
  Know how to use technology and digital content responsibly 28 44% 56%
  Know how to analyze and interpret stories, commercials, and the media (TV, magazines, newspapers, blogs etc) 20 31% 41%
  Know how to detect bias, censorship or propaganda in resources (including media) 19 30% 46%
  Know how to prepare written or verbal reports of research 32 50% 60%
  Know how to produce blogs, vlogs, podcasts, digital storytelling or video 13 20% 22%
  Students have the ability to evaluate their own work to improve their effectiveness 21 33% 39%
  None of the above 2 3% 1%
What do you think is the best way for your child(ren) to acquire the information and media literacy skills to be successful in the 21st century?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Learn on their own just by using technology 5 8% 14%
  Learn through a special class at school 19 30% 27%
  Learn by using technology as part of their regular classes 35 55% 68%
  Take an online information and media literacy class 9 14% 15%
  From me 8 13% 16%
  From their friends 4 6% 5%
  Other 0 0% 2%
Some states and districts are requiring all students to take an online class to graduate from high school. Do you agree or disagree with this policy?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Strongly agree 3 5% 12%
  Agree 12 19% 24%
  Disagree 16 25% 22%
  Strongly Disagree 9 14% 8%
  No Opinion 5 8% 12%
What concerns you the most about your child's Internet use at school or home?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Advertising and spam 25 39% 43%
  Copyright issues/illegal file sharing 12 19% 18%
  Difficulty evaluating the credibility of an online resource 17 27% 33%
  Ineffective Internet filters and firewalls 17 27% 34%
  Meeting strangers online 35 55% 55%
  Online bullying 33 52% 37%
  Online predators 38 59% 56%
  Plagarism and cheating 18 28% 29%
  Privacy of records and information 16 25% 33%
  Sharing too much personal information online 37 58% 55%
  Too much time spent on the computer 21 33% 37%
  Violent or inappropriate video or online games 20 31% 39%
  Virtual environments 9 14% 14%
  Websites that are inappropriate for my child's age 30 47% 53%
How likely are you to encourage your child(ren) to pursue a job in a science, engineering or technology field?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Very likely 15 23% 33%
  Likely 11 17% 22%
  Somewhat likely 8 13% 12%
  Unlikely 3 5% 3%
  No Opinion 8 13% 8%
How do you encourage your child(ren)'s scientific curiosity?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Buy toys or activity sets for my child(ren) that develop their science skills 22 34% 38%
  Encourage my child(ren) to participate in science clubs or fairs 17 27% 29%
  Encourage my child(ren) to use their science skills to solve a problem in the community 12 19% 19%
  Involve my child(ren) in gardening or cooking projects 22 34% 44%
  Make sure that my child(ren) completes homework 37 58% 60%
  Play games with my child(ren) that develop science skills 17 27% 24%
  Provide computer games that use science 13 20% 24%
  Read books about science together 11 17% 30%
  Show an interest in science myself 15 23% 40%
  Talk about careers and jobs that use science 25 39% 41%
  Talk to my child(ren) about science news and events 22 34% 38%
  Visit museums, aquariums, zoos etc. 30 47% 57%
  Watch TV shows about science 25 39% 50%
  Work on science projects together 17 27% 38%
  None of the above 2 3% 2%
Do you think your child's school is doing a good job of preparing today's students for the jobs of the 21st century?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Yes 22 34% 32%
  No 7 11% 12%
  Not sure 12 19% 25%
  No Opinion 0 0% 3%
  I have not thought about this before 4 6% 5%
  I do not think this is the responsibility of K-12 education 0 0% 1%
There is a national debate about providing affordable, high-speed Internet access to homes, businesses and schools by 2010. Do you agree that this should be a national priority?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Strongly Agree 18 28% 21%
  Agree 12 19% 26%
  Neutral 11 17% 20%
  Disagree 3 5% 8%
  Strongly Disagree 1 2% 3%
How satisfied are you with your Internet access at home?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Very satisfied 18 28% 33%
  Satisfied 25 39% 37%
  Not satisfied 0 0% 5%
  No opinion 0 0% 1%
  I don't have Internet access at home and I don't want it 0 0% 1%
If you don't currently have a computer or high speed Internet access in your home, what are the barriers you face?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  None - I currently have high-speed Internet access 31 48% 56%
  I cannot afford a computer 0 0% 1%
  I cannot afford the fees to access the Internet 0 0% 2%
  I do not see a reason to have a computer or high-speed Internet access in my home 0 0% 0%
  Affordable, high speed Internet access is not available in my city 1 2% 1%
  I don't know how to hook it up 0 0% 0%
  I don't know how to sign up for the Internet service 0 0% 0%
  I am afraid my children would access harmful information 0 0% 1%
  Other 0 0% 2%
If affordable, high-speed Internet access were available to you in your home, what would be the top 5 ways you would use it (or are using it)?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  Access information about my child(ren)'s education through the school website or portal 36 56% 55%
  Communicate via e-mail or social networking sites 28 44% 53%
  Encourage my child to take an online class 6 9% 12%
  I would take online class 9 14% 15%
  Look for employment 6 9% 14%
  Online shopping 19 30% 36%
  Participate in video conferences (e.g. professors, professionals, government officials, teachers or parents) 10 16% 9%
  Participate in virtual environments (e.g. 2nd life) 0 0% 2%
  Pay bills or conduct my banking online 28 44% 52%
  Play online games 8 13% 10%
  Research health and medical advice 24 38% 38%
  Research or read text-based resources (e.g. electronic textbooks, newspapers, magazines, digital archives, digital libraries) 15 23% 33%
  Upload or download music or lectures 12 19% 23%
  Upload or download videos (e.g. TV shows or performances, video clips or images) 3 5% 10%
  Watch high-definition TV 2 3% 4%
  Other 0 0% 3%
On average, how much time would you estimate that your child(ren) use your home computer for education-related purposes?
  Response # of Responses % of Responses National %
  less than 1 hour per week 6 9% 18%
  1-5 hours per week 28 44% 42%
  6-10 hours per week 7 11% 12%