Students, Parents & Teachers “Speak Up” about Online Learning

(c) Project Tomorrow 2009

Students, Parents & Teachers “Speak Up” about Online Learning

New research on behaviors and aspirationsSpeak Up 2008 National Findings

Julie EvansChief Executive Officer

Project Tomorrow

http://www.virtualschoolsymposium.org/


Our Discussion Today

What is Speak Up?

Invitation to participate in Speak Up 2009

Review of National Data Findings

Trends to Watch

Expert Panel – Virtual Panel of Students


Annual national research project– Online surveys + focus groups– Open for all K-12 schools– Schools/districts get back their own data for planning and budgeting

Collect data ↔ Stimulate conversations– K-12 Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators, Pre-Service Teachers– National Findings Release annually in Washington DC

Inform policies & programs– Analysis and reporting – national reports, state reports, district reports – Services: custom reports, consulting services, webinars– NCES back end database – provide statistically significant samplings

6 years of empowering authentic voices – since 2003: – 1.3 million K-12 students– 103,000 teachers– 54,000 parents– 6,300 school leaders– 18,000 schools – from all 50 states, DC, American military base

schools, Canada, Mexico, Australia

What is Speak Up?

1.5 million respondents


Speak Up is facilitated annually by Project Tomorrow

(formerly known as NetDay)

Project Tomorrow

(www.tomorrow.org)

is the leading education nonprofit

organization dedicated to the

empowerment of student voices in

education.


Learning & Teaching with Technology

Web 2.0 in Education

Broadband Access & Policy

21st Century Skills: Digital Citizenship

Science & Math Instruction & Global Competitiveness

Emerging Technologies in the Classroom

Mobile Devices

Online Learning

Digital Content

Designing the 21st Century School

Speak Up survey question themes


Online surveys available for:

K-12 studentsParentsTeachersAdministratorsNew! Pre-service teachers

Surveys open through Dec 18, 2009

Inviting all K-12 Schools, Districts, States, Virtual Schoolsand Schools of Education to participate in Speak Up 2009

Free online report for all Speak Up participating districts w/ your local data: Feb 2010

Release of National Speak Up Findings in Congressional Briefings: Mar & May 2010

No fee to participate. No limit on the # of surveys submitted. 100% confidential.


We would like to recognize our Speak Up 2009 Sponsors:


Speak Up 2009 Oct 19 – Dec 18

• Outreach for participation

• Data analysis & reporting

• Sharing insights

• Comparative analysis

• Demonstrating innovation

Speak UpNational OutreachChampion Partner


Collect unique data from stakeholders

Give stakeholders a voice in national/state policy

Support specific initiatives such as digital content, online learning, mobile devices, 1:1 programs or new teacher professional development programs

Model for students the value of civic engagement and being part of a national discussion

Recognition as an innovation leader

Demonstrate to students, teachers and parents that their ideas are valued by their education leaders

Understand the future of K-12 education

Learn more at www.tomorrow.org

Why do schools, districts, & states participate in Speak Up?


Selected National Data FindingsSpeak Up 2008

K-12 Students,Parents, Teachers & Administrators

Focus: Online Learning


K-12 Students 281,500 Teachers 29,644 Parents (in English & Spanish) 21,309 School/District Administrators 3,114 Schools / Districts 4,379 / 868 States All 50

o Top 10: TX, CA, AZ, AL, IL, MD, FL, NC, NE, WI

About Speak Up Schools:

– 95% public, 3% private, 2% virtual

– 35% urban, 32% suburban, 33% rural

– 45% Title 1 eligible

– 34% majority-minority student population

National Speak Up 2008 Participation


Speak Up 2008 Data Findings

Who am I?

Warm Up Exercise


Who am I? Profile characteristics:

Wishes for their ultimate school Online classes (27%) High tech science tools (39%) Online tools for organization (35%)

Access to mobile devices: MP3 player (44%) Game player (53%) Laptop (44%)

Participates in

immersive virtual reality

environments (39%)

Uses Internet for education research (51%) and online assessments (35%)


Audience Response: Who am I?

1. Kindergarten Boy

2. 3rd Grade Girl

3. 7th Grade Boy

4. 10th Grade Girl

5. Teacher


Who am I? 3rd Grade Girl


Meet the profile of today’s 3rd grade girls:

Wishes for their ultimate school Online classes (27%) High tech science tools (39%) Online tools for organization (35%)

Access to mobile devices: MP3 player (44%) Game player (53%) Laptop (44%)

Participates in

immersive virtual reality

environments (39%)

Uses Internet for education research (51%) and online assessments (35%)


Introducing the “Digital Advance Team”

Today’s K-12 Students

Adopting/adapting technologies for learning

Tech trend setters

Their use predicts widespread acceptance

Out of school use drives in school use

Pace car for others

Teachers ultimately catch up



So, what are the

next emerging technologies

to be paced by the

“Digital Advance Team?”


1. The mobile learner

2. It’s a Web 2.0 World

3. “I’ll take that class to go!”

4. Digital content & online textbooks

5. Exploring STEM careers

Digital Advance Team Trends



Let’s listen in and learn!

• Activities, Attitudes and Aspirations

• Disconnects and Differences

• Trends and Leverage Points


“Digital disconnect” is alive &

well:

the gap between how

today’s students learn

and

how they live!

Key findings from Speak Up data


“Digital disconnect” is alive & well:

Between students and teachers

Between advanced tech students and

other students

Between girls and boys

Between older and younger students

Key findings from Speak Up data:


Besides writing and Internet research, how are students using technology for schoolwork?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Access class info

Communicate with others

Create ppts/videos

Use MySpace for collaboration

Upload to school portal

Play ed games

Take online class

Use online textbook

Take online test

Gr 9-12

Gr 6-8

Gr 3-5

K-2

How are students using technology for schoolwork?


Besides writing and Internet research, how are students using technology for schoolwork?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Access class info

Communicate with others

Create ppts/videos

Use MySpace for collaboration

Upload to school portal

Play ed games

Take online class

Use online textbook

Take online test

Gr 9-12

Gr 6-8

Gr 3-5

K-2

How are students using technology for schoolwork?


Student interest in online learning

continues to increase . . .



Student interest in online learning

continues to increase . . .

But district priorities and availability

are not keeping pace with demand



“Disrupting Class” says:

By 2019, 50% of all high school

classes will be online


“Disrupting Class” says:

By 2019, 50% of all high school

classes will be online

Today’s students say:

We want it now!


Students: Have you taken or researched taking

an online class?

20% of high school students

26% of middle school students


Is there interest in taking online classes? Yes!

Interest in taking an online class:

+ 40% of high school students

+ 35% of middle school

students

+ 15% of students grades 3-5

Students that have not taken an online class:


Is there interest in taking online classes? Yes!

Interest in taking an online class:

+ 40% of high school students

+ 35% of middle school students

21%

46%

Students that have not taken an online class:


a. Earn college creditb. Work at my own pacec. Take class not offeredd. Complete school requiremente. Get extra help in a subjectf. To fit scheduleg. Easier to learn

Audience Response:

What is the #1 reason middle school students want to take an online class?


Students Speak Up about Reasons for Taking Online Classes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Earn college credit

Work at my ownpace

Take class notoffered at my school

Complete HSrequirements

Get extra help in asubject

Fit my schedule

Easier for me to learnin an online class

G9-12

G6-8

G3-5

Why take an online class?


How would online classes make school more interesting for students?

1. Puts me in control of my learning

(47%)

2. Easier to review class materials

(38%)

3. Easier for me to succeed (32%)

4. More comfortable asking questions

(29%)

5. More motivated to learn (27%)


Familiarity with online learning = stronger benefits

Figure 2: Students and Teachers Speak Up about the Benefits of Online Classes for Students

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Collaborate with classmates

Feel more connected to school

Comfortable asking questions

More motivated to learn

Control own learning

Teachers who have taught an online class (n=678)

Teachers who have taken online professional development (n=8,121)

6th-12th grade students who have taken an online class (n=18,230)

6th-12th grade students, National Average (N=138,972)


The administrator point of view

What the barriers that are preventing you fromimplementing or expanding online learning?

Principals say:

#1 Funding

#2 Teacher Preparation



Barriers to implementing online classes

#1 Funding

Not a funding priority in my districtLimited state funding



Barriers to implementing online classes

#2 Teacher Preparation

Not comfortable with tools Not comfortable with teaching onlineReluctant to try itNo expertise to develop courses


The teacher point of view

Teachers become online learners

1/3 of teachers have taken online PD

1/5 of teachers participate regularly in online PLC


The teacher point of view

Teachers become online learners

1/3 of teachers have taken online PD

1/5 of teachers participate regularly in online PLC

But only 3% have taught an online class

Only 13% are even interested!


Teachers and online learning

Figure 3: Teachers Speak Up about how Online Classes Improve their Effectiveness as a Teacher

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Spent more time with individual students

Gave more personalized attention

Better understanding of how my studentswere doing

Took time to differentiate instruction

Facilitated collaboration between students

Facilitated student-centered learning

Encouraged students to be more selfdirected

Teachers who have taught an onlineclass (n=678)

Teachers who have taken an onlineclass (n=8,121)


Should students be required to take an online class to graduate?

Online Class - a HS Grad Requirement

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Gr 6-8 Gr 9-12 Parents Principals

Agree

Disagree


What if you could design the ultimate school . . . .

what technologies would have the greatest impact on your learning?

Many districts are looking at this data to inform ARRA grants and

other funding applications.


a. Games and virtual simulations

b. Interactive whiteboards

c. Personal laptops for each student

d. Student access to email and IM at

school

e. Using mobile devices for learning

f. Online classes

g. Digital content

Audience Response:

What do K-12 students say is the #1 tech toolor service that will impact their learning?


Students in Kindergarten thru 12th grade say the same thing every year:

What do students say is the #1 tech tool or service that will impact their learning?


Students in Kindergarten thru 12th grade say the same thing every year:

What do students say is the #1 tech tool or service that will impact their learning?

“Give me a laptop for my personal use at school and at home”


What if you could design the ultimate school for 21st century learning?

Designing the Ultimate School

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Communications tools

Digital media tools

Mobile devices

Digital content

Laptops

Internet access

Games

Interactive boards

Online classes

Gr 6-12

Teachers


What if you could design the ultimate school for 21st century learning?

Designing the Ultimate School

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Communications tools

Digital media tools

Mobile devices

Digital content

Laptops

Internet access

Games

Interactive boards

Online classes

Gr 6-12

Teachers


Designing the Ultimate Schools - Online Classes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Gr 6-12

Teachers

Parents

Administrators

Administrators

Parents

Teachers

Gr 6-12

Online learning - continuing digital disconnect



Today’s K-12 Students

Adopting/adapting technologies for learning

Tech trend setters

Their use predicts widespread acceptance

Out of school use drives in school use

Pace car for others

Teachers ultimately catch up


How do today’s students define the ultimate learning environment?

Un-tethered learning

New learning spaces

Social based learning

Digital resources add relevancy

Go beyond classroom walls


Learning that is

• Enabled• Engaging• Empowered

How do today’s students define the ultimate learning environment?

And how do we get there?

Are we listening?


Students: If you were the school principal . . .

Listen to students’ ideas (59%)Students feel safe at school (58%)

Treat all students equally (57%)

Teachers interested in student success (56%)

Let student earn college credits (53%)

Give students flexibility to work on projects that

interest them (51%)


“Imagine you are the President and

your #1 education goal is to make

sure every student is prepared for

the jobs and careers of the future.

What is the one thing you would do

to improve schools?”

Special Speak Up 2008 Question

over 150,000 responses from students nationwide!

Speak Up video of students’ ideasOur website / YouTube / SchoolTube


Webinars, podcasts and reports such as:

National Speak Up 2008 Findings (Mar 2009)

Learning in the 21st Century Series: A National Report of Online Learning (Oct 2007, Updated Jun 2008, 2009)

Parents’ Perspectives, Parents’ Priorities(Oct 2009)

Leadership in the 21st Century: The New Visionary Administrator (Oct 2008)

Inspiring the Next Generation of InnovatorsStudents, Teachers and Parents Speak Up about Science Education (Jun 2008)

More Speak Up? www.tomorrow.org


Online surveys available for:

K-12 studentsParentsTeachersAdministratorsNew! Pre-service teachers

Listen to your stakeholders!

Open until Dec 18, 2009


Free online report for all Speak Up participating districts w/ your local data: Feb 2010

Release of National Speak Up Findings in Congressional Briefings: Mar & May 2010

No fee to participate. No limit on the # of surveys submitted. 100% confidential.


Surveys open until Dec 18, 2009


Activate your school/district registration

Promote to your stakeholders

Leverage incentives or specific motivators

Use our tools: banner ads, email text

Plan for how you will use the data

Track participation – we provide weekly updates

We are here to help you!

www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2009/


www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2009/


Introducing our virtual student panel:

Corine7th Grade

Florida Virtual School

Paige11th GradeWestwood

Cyber High School

Simon11th Grade

Bob Jones High School


The Future Voice of Education?

It is here today . . .


The Future Voice of Education?It is here today . . .

I believe that "the purpose of education is not to make men carpenters, but to make carpenters men." To be competitive in a workplace that is changing and will change continuously throughout our careers, my peers and I need to be able to read and understand new information at a level never before prevalent. This should be, however, a familiar aim for the forces of academia, however, since what we must learn, in essence, is to learn.

I would ensure a broad and balanced education that exposes every student to rigorous inquiry in every discipline, from physics to pottery and makes them active participants in the process of inquiry and learning.

(11th grader, Pittsburgh PA)


More data and reports are available on

our website: www.tomorrow.org

Julie EvansProject Tomorrow

[email protected] x15

Copyright Project Tomorrow 2009. This work is the intellectual property of the author. Permission is granted for this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes,

provided that this copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is by permission of the

author. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the author.

Thank you.

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