Technology Alliance Survey: A Follow-up Analysis of Technology in Washington Schools in 2000

By Debra Friedman and Karen Erickson

Overview

In 1998, the Technology Alliance sent a fax-back survey to Washington State's 296 school districts. The survey was intended to give a descriptive overview of the state of technology in the schools, and to provide baseline data for future analyses. Some of the key findings from the 1998 survey were:

There was approximately one computer for every five students, and one "networkable" computer for every 13 students.
64% of classrooms had Internet access.
Spending on technology in Washington State averaged $133 per student during 1997-98.
Districts with higher per-pupil property assessments were likely to spend more per student than those with lower per-pupil property assessments.
Availability of and time for training were cited as impediments to the effective use of technology in the classroom.
The 2000 survey, sent and returned predominantly over e-mail, is the first follow-up study. In addition to providing an updated view of technology in the schools, it is the first benchmark for change.

This follow-up survey is nearly identical to the original to maximize opportunities for meaningful comparison. A few improvements were made in the questions, and a substitute question was added, asking superintendents to identify key changes in the last two years.

Of the 296 district superintendents surveyed, 125 responded to the survey (42% response rate). This response represents 56% of the total student population. While this response rate did not match the original of 78%, it allows for the same confidence level as in 1998. As in 1998, supplementary data from OSPI on participation in a free or reduced lunch program and per-pupil property assessment was appended to the survey data.

What Has Changed?

One in four students have access to a computer now as compared with one in five students two years ago, and many of the computers are now "networkable." This does not mean they are in networks, just that the schools have more newer machines and higer precentage of the machines are capable of being networked.
87% of the classrooms have Internet access, as compared with 64% in 1998.
Per-pupil spending on technology has remained nearly the same: $133 in 1998, and $120 in 2000.
Property assessments and spending on technology remain positively correlated (+0.48 in 2000).
There are no districts without connectivity, compared with 5% without in 1998.
Principal concerns were sustainability -- having adequate support staff to maintain present equipment and resources to replace obsolete equipment -- as well as training.