Frequently Asked Questions
Basics & Definitions
Why do I have to complete the annual technology survey?
What is a standards-based computer?
What is a thin-client work station?
What is the definition for an administrative computer?
What is a document camera?
What constitutes Internet Safety training?
Report Literacy, Integration & Technical Support
How do I gather information to report on the technology literacy levels of our students or the technology
integration proficiencies of teachers?
How do I request permission to report on the technology literacy of 9th-grade students?
On the survey, does "number of FTE to provide technical support" include certified technicians only?
Report Assistive/Adaptive Technologies
We have a screen reader on every computer in the district. Do all the computers in the district qualify as assistive/adaptive technology devices?
If we have three unique assistive/adaptive technology applications on one computer, does it count as three devices?
Our Special Education Department bought iPod Touches and iPads for student use. Do we count those in assistive/adaptive technology devices?
Why do I have to complete the annual technology survey?
Your completion of the annual technology survey is one step in the approval process
for district technology plans. When you begin the survey, look for two different screens — one
captures district-level data, the other asks for data specific
to individual school buildings. It is important that a district
technology director or designee(s) fill out the survey for every
school building in the district, even if your district has only
one building.
The survey window opens December 9, 2011 and closes March 30, 2012.
What is a standards-based computer?
Generally, standard represents a 4-year old or newer computer. The metric is processing power. So, school laptops or desktop PCs must be built with this processor level or higher.
- Intel or AMD based Pentium IV 3.0 GhZ or higher or Dual Core desktop or
laptop.
- Intel Core Duo or higher Mac desktop or laptop.
- Netbooks purchased within the last three years.
What is a thin-client work station?
A workstation without a stand-alone operating system. Often just the basics — monitor, keyboard and mouse — that run on the software and processing power of a different CPU.
What is the definition for an Administrative Computer?
| Call it an administrative computer if… |
Call it an instructional computer if… |
| Teachers use the computer more than 50% of the time for their own productivity |
Students use the computer more than 50% of the time |
What is a document camera?
A camera mounted on a stand. Teachers hook up document cameras to LCD projectors so they can display student work or lesson materials. Think of it as a digital overhead projector.
What constitutes Internet Safety training?
An effort by your district to deliver instruction related to Internet safety at one or more grade levels. If your district has adopted the curricular materials of
NetSmartz,
iSafe or
WebWiseKids, check Yes. If you use a different provider
for K-12 Internet safety support, or have developed your own, let us know the name of the organization and program.
How do I
gather information to report on the technology literacy levels
of our students or the technology integration proficiencies of teachers?
We recommend PILOT — an online self-assessment tool that helps students and educators determine how proficient they are with technology. Designed in a simple question-answer format PILOT takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
PILOT Jr.
evaluates the technology literacy of 8th-grade students.
PILOT
evaluates:
- Technology proficiencies of certified administrators.
- Technology proficiencies of certified teacher-librarians and
library-media specialists.
- Technology proficiencies and integration skills of certified teachers.
How do I request permission to report on the technology literacy of 9th-grade students?
- Complete a waiver (Word).
- Email, fax or mail it to Dennis Small:
- dennis.small@k12.wa.us
- FAX: (360) 586-7251
- Dennis Small, Education Technology, OSPI
Old Capitol Bldg, PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
If you have partial FTEs or pay stipends for tech support, calculate the number of FTE hours you get for what you spend.
On the survey, does "number of FTE to provide technical support" include certified technicians only?
No. Report the total number of people hired specifically to provide technical support in your district AND the percentage of their time dedicated to these activities.
We have a screen reader on every computer in the district. Do all the computers in the district qualify as assistive/adaptive technology devices?
If you run Special Education applications on a specific computer(s) and assign that computer(s) exclusively to students with an IEP or classified as 504, then yes — count that computer as an assistive/adaptive technology device.
If we have three unique assistive/adaptive applications on one computer, does it count as three devices?
| If you assign a computer with… |
Then… |
Three assistive/adaptive applications for the exclusive use of three
different students, each with an IEP or classified as 504 |
Count the computer as three unique devices. |
Three assistive/adaptive applications for the exclusive use of a single
student with an IEP or classified as 504 |
Count the computer as a single device. |
Our Special Education Department bought iPod Touches and iPads for student use. Do we count those as assistive/adaptive technology devices?
These handheld computers come equipped with software that is useful for students in special education programs. If your Special Education Department bought these computers for the exclusive use of students with an IEP or classified as 504, then yes, count them as assistive/adaptive technology devices.
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