Sparta MS Computer Software Use Survey Summary 

The middle school representatives of the District Software Committee sponsored this survey in an effort to understand the needs of our faculty, staff and students with specific regard to software. This instrument was not intended to study other technological needs such as computer hardware, multimedia use or copy machine policies. The survey considers three areas: Issues related to existing software (excluding upgrade needs); software version issues (including upgrade needs); and new software that could benefit the Middle School.  
 
 

Existing Software; including availability, training and support

The majority of respondents reported that they do not experience frequent errors and that they do feel as though they have been exposed to and trained in existing software. The technology support experience was positive as often as negative, with mixed results most often being the case. Software availability was reported to be a problem. This is likely a result of lacking Computer Lab availability and hardware and network issues. Most comments made in this section regarded training. Dan Sutherlands training was cited as valuable and training needs were expressed in Sketch Pad and for transferred teachers in the district. A booklet was recommended as an introductory tool to provide a brief overview of all software available in the district.  
 

Software Versions; including upgrade availability and compatibility

Version conflicts between home and school as well as between school computers was overwhelmingly agreed to be a problem in the Middle School. This is at least in part the result of the feeling that much of the software being used in school is in need of a version upgrade. The most common specific upgrade need reported were the component of the Microsoft Office suite. PowerPoint, Word and Excel were also specifically mentioned as being in need of updates. Inspiration, PrintShop, and Geometers Sketchpad were also mentioned as candidates for upgrade. One respondent did comment that recent upgrades to Windows XP on the computer lab and some classroom PCs have eliminated some version related issues. 
 

Available Software; including recommendations for district acquisition

Very few teachers and staff in the Middle School feel current software suits our teaching needs. Just over half of the respondents were aware of potentially useful software packages that we do not currently have. Many mentioned electronic grading packages and some specifically Integrade as software that would benefit our school. Special Education software was cited several times as lacking, with Kurzwell 3000 named as a specific application needed. Kidspiration, FitnessGram, electronic texts, and a health office program were also named as available software the district should consider purchasing for the Middle School.