Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to complete the annual technology survey?
How do I gather information to
report on the technology literacy levels of our students or the technology
integration proficiencies of
teachers?
What is a standards-based computer?
What is a thin-client work station?
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?
What is the definition for an
administrative computer?
What is a document camera?
How does the technology survey define an online class? Why do I have to complete the annual technology survey?
We cannot approve your district technology plan until you
complete the annual technology survey. Your Title IID funding —
specifically EETT formula dollars — depends on our ability to
report that your district has a state-approved plan and to
transmit your data annually from the technology survey. The
survey window opened November 17, 2009 and closes March 15,
2010.
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.
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.
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 2.4 GhZ or higher, Celeron 2.8 GhZ or
higher, or dual core desktop.
- 2.0 GhZ or higher laptop.
- Mac G5 2.1 GhZ or higher, or dual core desktop.
- Mac G4/G5 1.9 MhZ or higher, or dual core Powerbook/iBook/MacBook.
What is a thin-client work station?
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.
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
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.
If you have partial FTEs or pay stipends for tech support, calculate the number of FTE hours you get for what you spend.
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.
How does the technology survey define an online class?
A course in which:
- At least half the content is delivered online.
- At least half the instruction is delivered online by a teacher from a different location than the student.
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