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November 9, 2006

NSBA Technology Survey examines social networking

At the T+L Conference this year, NSBA released the lastest edition of its third annual technology survey. Although the survey kept constant with some of its questions, additions this year included social networking questions to reflect the ever-changing landscape of the Internet and how educators, students, and parents are using it.

NSBA surveyed all paid registrants to the conference, and received a 30 percent response rate. One question, "What is the biggest challenge facing your school district in the area of technology?" yielded two answers which have consistently remained at the top: technology funding and integrating technology into the classroom.

With respect to social networking sites, almost 36 percent say that the content of student postings on social Web sites are disruptive, while 48 percent indicate that it hasn't been disruptive. Those who said that social Web sites are disruptive say that students posting inappropriate material — almost 70 percent — is the biggest problem, followed by students giving out too much personally identifiable information — 62 percent.

About 35 percent of survey respondents said their districts have social networking policies. After further examination, it appears that most respondents indicated that these Web sites — MySpace, Facebook, etc. — are blocked by filters or a firewall. Students are not allowed access to these sites when using school computers. This reflects that most of the policies are focused on blocking access, which is really more of a technical management issue than a policy about use of social websites.

When presenting the results of the survey, NSBA Executive Director Anne Bryant noted, "What we have to keep in mind, however, is that the vast majority of misuse of these sites takes place at home. It is important that educators keep in mind that simply blocking access to MySpace at school is not the end of the story. This is a much larger issue, which is that students need to be educated about these sites and what the impact of misuse is on themselves as well as others. We need to teach students about how to use these social networking sites in a way that will not cause harm."

Survey respondents also said by a huge margin again this year -- almost 94 percent -- that technology in the classroom increases educational opportunities for students. Only 3 respondents — or less than 1 percent -- said that technology did not increase opportunities. Additionally, more than 92 percent said that technology helps students become more engaged in learning. This is an overwhelming number and is consistent with the responses received over the last two years. The survey shows that the opportunities for students through technology are broad, including virtual field trips to a zoo, creation of an online high school, and access to the Smithsonian. Further, almost 64 percent said that technology enhances curriculum for students with special needs.

To read additional coverage of the survey results on the Network World blog, click here.

Posted November 9, 2006 11:29 AM | Education Technology

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