We work with staff members in other departmental and administrative units to distribute biannual technology surveys to University of Minnesota faculty members and students. In general, the surveys are designed to gather information about faculty and student experiences with and perceptions of educational technology.
In fall 2011, the technology survey project will be expanded to include all campuses of the University of Minnesota. This broadening, which aligns both with OIT's larger strategic vision and with the mission of the Collaborative for Academic Technology Innovation, will make possible the construction of a much more comprehensive picture of the nature and effects of educational technology at the U of M, along with providing important information specific to each campus.
The most recent surveys, delivered in spring 2009, contained a particular emphasis on:
Noteworthy findings from the 2009 surveys include:
You can view a presentation (PDF) for a more complete account of the survey methodology and findings.
We believe that data from these surveys can help administrators, faculty members, educational technologists, students, and others to form a comprehensive picture of the use of educational technology at the University of Minnesota. We also hope that survey data will be useful in the creation of programs and infrastructure surrounding digital technology, such as faculty development programs, technology-enhanced learning activities, and technology support systems for students and faculty members.
For researchers: the OIT technology survey instruments are available free of charge to members of the academic community who wish to use them, in whole or in part, in their own research. Please simply email J.D. Walker to let us know about your plans, and please give credit in an appropriate place in your work to the Research & Evaluation Team, OIT, University of Minnesota.