Proposals

Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: Creating a survey and using it to learn more about your students and help them succeed in your class

Name: George Kontos, Ed.D.

Audience: Faculty, general

Audience Level: Beginning, intermediate

Length: One hour (If needed, length less than one hour can be arranged.)

Abstract: A tool that measures the computer background of students will be described. The instrument consists of a short survey that collects data, an easy method to analyze the data, and hints on how to interpret the results. Adapting the tool in any class and limitations of the study will also be discussed. Attendees will be given the opportunity to write a draft of their own survey that they may subsequently use in their own class.

Description: An instrument to assess the computer knowledge of freshmen in a beginning computer class of a United States community college is described. The instrument uses a short questionnaire to collect the data, a simple spreadsheet table and Microsoft Excel to analyze the data, and an easy method to interpret the results.

The questionnaire was distributed to 20 students in an introductory computer class on the first day of classes. All 20 students answered the eight questions in the questionnaire. The questions covered the course's major computer literacy areas. The results of the statistical analysis showed the areas of this particular group of students' weaknesses (Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Networks) and strengths (Microsoft Word, email, and web searches).

Some of the implications and concerns associated with the study are discussed. One implication discussed here is that using the questionnaire in future computer classes may be helpful in modifying the course to better meeting the student needs. Another implication is that the instrument can be easily modified to assess basic knowledge of entering freshmen in any subject area. Validity and limitation concerns discussed in this paper should be considered in future research.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation (or Panel Discussion or other)

On-Site Equipment Requirements: PC with USB, MS PowerPoint and projector (for my presentation), and Internet access

Contact Information/Affiliation:
George Kontos, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Business Division
Bowling Green Community College of
Western Kentucky University
george.kontos@wku.edu