| Results of Baseline Survey for Museum Educators and Power Users |
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In July
2007 the ArtsConnectEd 2 (ACE 2) power user (PU) and museum educator (ME)
groups were asked to complete a brief survey about their use of 8 types of
technology tools. The purpose of the survey was to obtain a baseline measure of
their familiarity and comfort with various technologies.
Results of Baseline Survey for Museum Educators and Power Users October 22, 2007 Submitted by Debra Ingram, Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota Introduction
In July 2007 the ArtsConnectEd 2 (ACE 2) power user (PU) and museum educator (ME) groups were asked to complete a brief survey about their use of 8 types of technology tools. The purpose of the survey was to obtain a baseline measure of their familiarity and comfort with various technologies. The types of tools included on the survey were as follows:
The survey contained a 4-part question about each type of tool. The first 3 parts were fixed response and the last part was an open-ended question. The survey will be repeated in spring 2009 to determine if PU and ME have increased their familiarity and comfort with these types of tools.
Results
The percentage of members in each group that completed the survey was high. Eleven of 12 PU (92%) and 13 of 15 ME (87%) completed the survey. Ideally every PU and ME would have completed the survey to ensure that the results represent the experiences of each group member. Completion rates of 100% are rare in practice, however. The high completion rates for this survey indicate that the results reflect the experiences of a majority of the PU and ME groups and are a valid representation of their technology use.
PU and ME were asked which of three statements best described their use of each type of technology. The choices were as follows:
Table 1 shows the number and proportion of PU and ME that indicated they were a user of each type of technology. Of all the types of technology, both groups were most likely to have used e-commerce sites (PU 100%, ME 92%). In contrast, both the PU and ME were least likely to have used RSS feeds (PU 27%, ME 23%). With the exception of RSS feeds, the majority of the respondents in each group were at least aware that each type of tool exists, even if they had not used it.
With the exception of wikis, PU were more likely than ME to indicate that they had used a type of tool at least once. In some cases the difference is very small. For example, 100% of the PU and 92% of the ME said they had used e-commerce sites. For other types of technology the differences were more pronounced. Over half (54%) of the ME said they had used wikis in contrast to only 27% of the PU. Almost three-fourths (73%) of the PU said they had used media sharing sites versus only 46% of the ME. Sixty-four percent of the PU had used communication tools such as bulletin boards or chat rooms in comparison to 46% of the ME.
Table 1 Number and Percent of Power Users and Museum Educators Who Have Used a Type of Tool at Least Once, Either as a Consumer or Contributor
In addition to their use of various types of technology, the survey also asked the PU and ME if they maintained a personal or professional website. Over one-third (36%) of the PU and 15% of the ME said yes.
PU and ME who said they
had used a type of tool at least once were asked two follow-up questions to
gather additional information about their use. The first question asked them
which of the following statements best described their use:
Next, they were asked how often they used the tool in a typical work week. The respondents selected one of the following choices to describe their frequency of use:
Table 2 shows the number and percent of PU and ME that reported each type of use. The types of technology that PU most often said were integrated into their personal and/or professional life were e-commerce sites (64%) and media sharing sites (46%). Wikis, RSS feeds, and social networking sites had the lowest proportion of PU (18%) that described their use as integration.
Of all of the types of technology listed on the survey, ME were most likely to describe their use of e-commerce sites as integration (85%). Social networking sites were a distant second with 23% describing their use as integration. Fewer than 10% described their use of Wikis, communication tools, podcasts, or RSS feeds as integration.
Table 2 Number and Percent of Power Users and Museum Educators Who Describe their Use as Learning, Familiarity, or Integration
(Table 2 continued on next page) Table 2 (continued)
Table 3 shows how often the PU and ME said they used each type of technology in a typical work week. There are no evident patterns in how often either the PU or the ME used the various types of technology. Frequency of use varied by the type of technology and the type of user. For example, the ME who used podcasts said they typically used them 1 to 2 times per week. In contrast, the frequency of use among PU was more varied. When comparing frequency of use among the types of technology it is important to keep in mind that some types of technology lend themselves more than others to daily use. For example, users may be more likely to use a social networking site daily than an e-commerce site. To some degree, however, frequency of use reflects PU and ME comfort with a particular type of technology and the value of that technology.
Table 3 Frequency of Use
(Table 3 continued on next page) Table 3 (continued)
The survey also provided space for PU and ME to write any comments or questions they had about each type of technology. Their responses for each type of technology are shown below; within each type of technology the responses are not listed in any particular order.
Wikis
Not sure what this is.
I like the concept of the wiki, as wikis seem to encourage communal learning; however, I have reservation about the accuracy of the content in wikis. It's one thing if a wiki contains "editorial" information, but it's another if it claims to be an authority on a particular subject.
If one contributes factual information to a w - [some lost text] - suppose citing this information takes care of the misinformation concern. I'd like to know what others think.
I find the wiki code hard to retain. I like wiki sites that use a toolbar with a graphic interface.
I have used Wikipedia as a research tool and have had one experience contributing to a wiki type site at wo[lost text] helping to develop a Kara Walker web site.
The only Wiki I use is Wikipedia; I do not contribute.
Wikipedia is my only point of reference.
I don't often use it because of the inaccuracy factor. I had a couple experiences where I was dismayed at t[lost text] "weak" information. Usually I use it to get a bit more info than I would from my dictionary program but a little less info than doing a full blown Google search. It's a quick reference tool for me that fits nicely between dictionary programs and full featured information searches.
Are wikis currently used by classroom teachers in MN?
What is/are wikis? How will this/these help me be a better primary art teacher?
What is it?
I've developed an online course that I would guess fits into this category. It's through Bemidji State and MnSCU. We have a 6-dock portal. I received some initial training to develop the course that was very minimal - I spent lots of time and energy (and little support) to develop what I have in place.
I am hoping to use wikis with my art ed students this fall. I am working with the Digital Learning Center on setting up and working with wikis.
Blogs
I don't enjoy writing blogs or reading other peoples blogs. I spend so much time on my computer at work that the last thing I want to do is spend any free time blogging.
I'm not sure I understand the difference between a blog and a wiki. Here's my guess: a blog is something [lost text] can post a response to, but one cannot change the actual text of a blog entry. The text of a wiki is malleable. One can go in and change the existing text. Perhaps blogs are more for commentary and wikis are more for information/research tool? I have several blogs. I also maintain a few blogs for some friends. Blog software is a great way to get content online without a lot of coding experience.
I tend to read blogs more than write or answer them.
I have blogged once on the Walker blog site. I do not use this enough to know how to do it again without learning it all over again.
I only blog 1 time per month or less, but I see it as an effective tool and would like to integrate it more into my professional practice.
Why are they called blogs?
I write my own monthly blog, www.kulzerdesign.com/knews, but haven't used blogs in my classroom because most of the ones I'd like to use are blocked by out school's internet service. "Personal Pages" are "forbidden" on our school's web servers. As are many individual artist's pages. Blogs offer so many possibilities for our students. From reading and critiquing them to actual creation, the learning possibilities are endless!
How are blogs used to promote learning about Art?
I can honestly say that I have never been able to justify the use of a blog.
Considering all the required planning, material preparation, and work related responsibilities that teachers have to do, how would you rank using blogs as a professional activity for teachers?
I have not created a blog yet but read many that are posted by friends and fellow artist and art teachers.
I follow a couple of artists that blog daily - it seems to be a drain on those that attempt to manage a blog.
(continued on next page)
Blogs (continued)
I have a blog that isn't working very well for me. I need to learn more. Again, I would like to work on learning more about effective use of blogs.
I don't have time to look at them during the work week. I'm busy making too many ACE collections.
I have done very little with this tool to date.
Communication Tools, such as Bulletin Boards or Chat Rooms
I haven't found a personal or professional need for a chat room or bulletin board. I do subscribe to several email discussion groups. Using these services I can participate entirely by email without visiting a web page. It is a great way to stay informed and to contribute to online communities or personal or professional special interest groups. Generally I don't have time to post to discussion boards, although I do read a few. I don't like chat rooms - think they are scary - and have never participated in one.
I don't choose to spend my time this way. For me, it really is about time choices.
Not aware of how you post items to a Bulletin Board.
I enjoy chat rooms when they are chatting about things I enjoy. Reading and participating in them for a gr[text lost] class, however, is tedious, and usually more like busy work than anything. I do miss our old ACE web board. It was a nice little community sharing important information with other like-minded people. I also see sites like Facebook, Myspace, and flicker as a kind of bulletin board that can be used for learning. Again, if only our school's servers didn't block those sites.
I use Blackboard extensively. This summer I am taking Blackboard 7 sessions so that I can use it even more [lost text] now use all functions on Blackboard including the virtual classroom chat function and the grading/assessment tool. I also teach teachers how to use BB.
I have used sites like this only occasionally, perhaps a few times a year.
I find this an excellent way of communicating with fellow art teachers, teachers, and artists.
(continued on next page)
Communication Tools, such as Bulletin Boards or Chat Rooms (continued)
I have participated in many versions of these - most recently designated times for discussion boards on specific topics . They are tedious and participants tent to wander unless there is a moderator with a scripted discussion. The ones I tend to involve myself with are on a specific topic I have an interest in.
Again, no time...
I use chat as a teaching/communication tool frequently in Tappedin.org.
E-commerce Sites, such as Amazon and Netflix
I do most of my gift shopping online. I also buy electronics and media items online. It is convenient. I also use the public library's online reservation system extensively. Minneapolis Public Library now accepts online payments of fines. It is a great research and time saving tool.
I use on line shopping and banking sites very often.
I often use e-commerce sites for professional and personal use. I also use the Hennepin County Library website to order and renew books.
I get many things through Amazon and Ebay.
I utilize several of these types of sites - mostly because I like to investigate "what's out there" before I begin the purchasing process. I also use this as a tool to get an idea of what it should cost and sometimes I find reviews of the product. This has saved me lots of money just because I pick up enough info to show I have some knowledge about the product.
I am always looking up books on Amazon and then buying them at an independent bookstore. The one time I used the "evil empire" they sent me an art exhibition catalogue in French! If the book is out of print, I go to Powell's. I also have been buying much more online from museums.
While I have ordered various materials/goods online, I am still leery of personal identity theft/information privacy issues, etc.
Podcasts
Does this have any relation to "streaming online?"
Podcasts are an amazing learning tool. It's awesome that so many are free and so many are so informative [lost text]. I'm a huge believer in podcasts. I don't do a regular podcast, but I have a few video lessons on my school website that could be considered "podcasts". I hope to expand on them to include a little video section in each of my lessons. I think Audio podcasts have their place, but I believe Video podcasts are the future of the museum and education community. Every museum should have podcasts available to the public. So[lost text] should be educational while others can be like Movie Trailers that get the audience interested in seeing m[lost text] of the "real thing". Producing a podcast is a relatively simple thing to do and with Apple's tools like iMovie and Garageband, it's easy to get professional results.
Podcasts are used within the St. Kate's distance learning MA program. I currently teach in that program and will be creating podcasts...right now, I just watch them. I have stage or podfright.
I use readymade podcast for students and myself for class or personal use.
I've heard the term several times, but haven't had the opportunity to investigate podcasts.
Hmm...I wouldn't say I have been using these on a weekly basis. However, I am planning on focusing on these this year. I love the ones at the San Fran Modern.
I would like to learn a great deal more about this technology and its application to my teaching but wonder about cost effectiveness and student accessibility issues.
RSS Feeds
I've heard this term before, but I am unsure what an RSS feed is. I'd like to learn more.
I use RSS feeds to stay informed of the latest news and of changes made to sites I visit often. Reviewing fe[lost text] topics is a great way to browse topics without actually visiting the site and loading the content. It can save time as I only visit the pages I know have new or interesting content.
Don't even know what RSS stands for.
EVERY site should have RSS feeds available. I believe every site should have new content available at least on a monthly basis so that people will be interested in coming back. RSS is a great way to keep them coming back. I want to integrate it into my sites, but haven't had the time to delve into it much. Sounds fairly easy to attach RSS tags, but it's not a huge priority for me yet. For professional institutions and businesses, I believe it to be essential to their future. Instead of doing mass mailings that get trashed, RSS feeds allow interested parties to know what's happening instantaneously. A business can tap directly into its core audience by using RSS.
Again use this for personal and classroom materials.
Never heard this term before, so I don't even know if it's something I use, should investigate, would profit from learning about...
I do not use an aggregator and need to learn about this.
What?
No clue.
Media Sharing Sites, such as YouTube or Flickr
I'd like to learn how to post something to YouTube, Flickr, etc. I'd also like to know if one can limit their audience on media sharing sites.
I visit YouTube for entertainment and to share video projects that I am a part of. I browse Flickr for images but I have not contributed.
I have visited sites like this, but have never contributed.
I use this less than 1-2 times per week (perhaps 1 time in the last 2-3 months).
Have watched them, don't know how to do them.
See my answer to 4c. In addition, I also believe the future of the internet is in RICH media like video, audio, and more immersive technology like VR (Second Life). An organization that can tap into Rich Media will have a relevant presence on the web. Otherwise they become irrelevant because the young people of today will be uninterested in exploring it. Look at the amazing communities formed around Multi Person Role Playing Games like Halo and Warcraft. A RELEVANT presence on the web will be able to tap into an audience and form a dedicated "virtual" community of real life users who support the community and thus support the organization.
I have looked for specific videos on YouTube but have only used Mr. Bill in my teaching.
I use YouTube as an occasional viewer.
Use this for personal entertainment and for classroom lesson additions.
I use this tool a great deal because there are many free sites and we share these sites in our Media Arts training - as resources for teachers and a tool for media arts criticism - we always encourage teachers to preview before showing - as with all aspects of the internet, there are quality resources and junk.
I'm over forty.
Great resources available for instructional use, particular in relation to using digital movies in education. Real problems exist with access though as district censors block these sites.
Social Networking Sites, such as MySpace or Facebook
I will say that I have a MySpace account but rarely use it and actually dislike it but can't avoid it.
I have a Friendster account, but I don't use it consistently. Honestly, I prefer in-person socializing and if I want to be in touch on the web it's with specific people not just anyone. I'm curious to hear about other people's experiences with social networking sites. I'd like to hear why some people use them with great consistency and what they feel the benefits of using them are.
I have accounts on several social networking sites. Some are more personal while others are professional networking opportunities. I am interested in connecting with like-minded professionals as well as old classmates and lost friends.
I have seen these sites, but do not maintain my own. My kids use them.
Again, I've used these kinds of site less than 1-2 times per week, more like 1 time per 203 months.
My daughter would die if I started using Facebook.
See my answer to Question 4c and 8c. Students use Facebook and Myspace for a large part of their communication and interaction. I believe this will only increase and become more sophisticated as our students become adults. Look at how easy it is to have access to all of this anywhere now with technology like the iPhone. People will be constantly communicating using these types of sites and networks and virtual communities. Any time we can give a group of people ownership in the content of a website, it becomes more than a website. It becomes a relevant part of their lives.
I know what they are...I have looked at MySpace, but that is the extent my experience...they are far too personally invasive for my taste! Some tech experiences do not lead to weekly encounters nor require sel[text lost] confidence. I continue, however, to be curious about new offerings on the internet. I enjoy map and geography sites in addition to art related sites.
I have used MySpace several times personally to help my disabled son with some communication issues.
View family and students MySpace and FaceBook when given access.
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Social Networking Sites, such as MySpace or Facebook (continued)
I did a little bit of research to find out more about MySpace - I wasn't impressed and am unlikely to utilize this tool in the future.
Again, I am old.
I have stayed away from these areas due to both their seeming to be more for students and may be unsuitable for teacher/student interaction as a result of some of the gossip that has surrounded the uses which they are often accused of being put to.
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