A Shared Vision for Technology in the McIntosh STEM Program

Survey Results
6-26-2015

Here are the initial participation results from Administration and STEM Team
members who received the survey. A decision to survey other stakeholders, as
shown below, with this or a different instrument is an option we should collectively
consider as we work toward forming our Vision Statement for the program.

The following questions assume that students have Internet access for working on
assignments after school; either at home or some other community facility with the
available connectivity. You do not have to respond to every question; it's OK to skip
ahead!
Please answer the following questions with short bullet point types of
responses.
Digital Tools: What is your vision for computers provided to STEM students?

Desktop computers in labs

1:1 distribution/access
They can plan a roll in some activities.
Students would be responsible for their own personal computers but may
borrow MHS technology while on campus.
Students could use their own personal computer but would also be allowed
access to Chromebooks at school.
All STEM students should have a Chromebook.

Updated, most current software and programs needed

Digital Skills: How would you characterize the computer skills that students in our STEM
program should be expected to master?

Inventor, robotic programming

Proficient research, composition, and data collection skills
I do not have a specific target. I think they should be able to master skills to
the level expected in a relevant activity.
Students are expected to already have mastered Word, Excel and Google
Docs
Google Apps; MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Cloud Storage
Far beyond basic skills, learn how to communicate via the computer using
email and social media, spreadsheets

Teaching/Learning Environment: Describe one important component of a technologically

oriented teaching/learning environment?

I believe that classes that need the use of technology need to have it
provided in the classroom and that byot should be phased out of our system
Common compatibility and access
Students, like it or not, are digitally dependent
Internet and computer access
Students and teachers have access to internet and computers.
Courses are delivered via Blackboard LMS
Teacher education

Teaching/Learning Methods/Strategies: Describe one important teaching/learning

method/strategy to be utilized in our STEM program?

Submitting everything through the new lms

Data collection and analysis
Cross- curriculum studies
Inquiry labs and research projects
Inquiry labs
Project Based (Constructivist) Learning
Integration of all curriculum within other disciplines

Integrated Curriculum: Describe one example of how different courses in STEM can be
integrated.

It needs to be an application process

Thematic instruction, product-based assessments
Could write a program to analyze data, use mathematics to calculate
probabilities, and use language arts to write a summary of the findings
Physics and trigonometry in construction

Math is consistently integrated in many science labs

Students work on the same bridge design project in Physics, Trigonometry
and Engineering Concepts

Collaboration: Describe one example of collaboration needed within the STEM Program.

Cross curriculum collaboration, large projects that incorporate several classes

Instructional planning and coordinated assessments
Collaboration among different subjects to assign a single semester long
project
Physics and trigonometry in construction projects
Teachers of math and science can collaborate to incorporate the same skills
within one particular project.
Online digital collaboration on a project assignment with students from
another school
Common planning for STEM teachers

Authenticity: Describe one example of incorporating real world authenticity into the STEM
Program.

Proper use of a LMS that students can receive quick feedback

Product development
Students would work in teams to complete projects as is often done in the
real world.
Students analyze data and prepare graphical reports from STEM Program
student surveys
Partnerships/internships with businesses

Diversity: Provide a brief vision statement of how the STEM Program should address
student diversity.

Nontraditional students should be encouraged to join the stem program

Students with diverse backgrounds, but similar interests, can work
collaboratively to master STEM content and produce STEM outcomes that
promote equity and access.
I do feel the program will have to actively "recruit" some students who grew
up in homes that did not have college educated parents. Many students such
as that just don't know of all the opportunities that are out there for them
I believe the MHS STEM Program should attempt to target a proportional
balance in both gender and race.
I don't think student diversity should be a factor in the first year or so.
Students are selected into the program based on their potential (if possible to
assess?) to succeed, not on past achievement