Top 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Today’s Students and Digital Learning

Top 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Today’s Students and Digital Learning

1. Top Ten Things Everyone
Should Know about Today’s
Students and Digital Learning
Dr. Julie A. Evans
CEO, Project Tomorrow
@JulieEvans_PT
June 26, 2017

2. Today’s Discussion
Research findings from the Speak Up Project
Authentic voices of students –our expert panel
Project Tomorrow resources to support your work
Your questions, comments and thoughts

3. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Meet our expert panel!
Cooper Johnson 5
th
Grade Plano TX
Connor Johnson 9
th
Grade Plano TX
Charlotte Kaczka 9
th
Grade Albemarle VA
Cassidy Krebsbach 11
th
Grade Milton WI
Ryan Herrington 12
th
Grade Milton WI

4. Tweet with us!
@JulieEvans_PT@SpeakUpEd#ISTE17

5. About Project Tomorrow
Nonprofit education organization supporting K-12 education since
1999
Mission is to ensure today’s students are well prepared for the future
Programs and research focus on role of digital tools within the
education ecosystem
oSpeak Up Research Project on Digital Learning:
collecting & reporting on the authentic feedback of K-12
stakeholders to inform federal, state & local programs and policies

6. About the Speak Up Project
Annual research project since 2003
Uses online surveys + focus groups
Facilitated through schools and districts
Online surveys for: K-12 Students,
Teachers, Parents, Administrators, and
Community Members
All K-12 schools –public, private,
parochial, charter, virtual -are eligible to
participate

7. About the Speak Up Project
Participating schools and districts get
access to all locally collected data + state
and national data for benchmarks
National data is reported via white
papers and infographics –and used
regularly by eduorgs & policymakers
100% free service for schools/districts
Since 2003,
5 million
Speak Up
surveys
submitted

8. About the Speak Up Project
Topics covered include:
Use of technology to support learning –formal and informal
School climate for innovation
College and career ready skill development
Leadership challenges
Teachers’ needs and professional learning experiences
Valuations of different stakeholders on digital learning
Emerging trends with digital tools, content and resources
New classroom models
School to home communications
Designing the ultimate school

9. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Getting to know you!

10. Let’s play a game!

11. STUDENTS’
DIGITAL
LIVES

12. STUDENTS’ DIGITAL LIVES
oHave my own tablet at home (56%) but use a Chromebook at school (43%)
o#1 complaint about school technology? Want to use my own mobile device!
o2/3rds say they use the Internet weekly to help with schoolwork
oInterested in a job in a STEM field (46%)
o6 of 10 would like to learn how to code
oPlay online, video and digital games (78%)
oUsing technology helps me develop critical thinking skills (46%)

13. STUDENTS’ DIGITAL LIVES
Who is this?
3
rd
grade girl
6
th
grade boy
9
th
grade girl
12
th
grade boy

14. STUDENTS’ DIGITAL LIVES
Who is this?
3
rd
grade girl

15. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Introducing the Speak Up Projectto inform new
discussions and better decision-making around
your digital learning plans
“Without data, you are
just another person with
an opinion …”

16. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Top Ten Things Education Leaders Should Know
about Today’s Students and eLearning

17. @Project Tomorrow 2017
National participation in Speak Up 2016: 514,085
Survey Audience # of Surveys Submitted
K-12 Students 435,510
Teachers & Librarians 38,512
Parents 29,670
Administrators 4,592
Community Members 5,801
About schools and districts: 2,445 districts, 7,123 schools
26% urban, 36% rural, 38% suburban, 57% title 1 eligible

18. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Student use of technology at school –what bugs them?

19. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Students’ report on the obstacles they face using tech for learning at school
1.Internet is too slow (60%)
2.School blocks websites I need for
schoolwork (51%)
3.Too many rules! (43%)
4.Can’t use my own mobile device or my
social media tools (37%)
5.Teachers limit our technology use (37%)

20. @Project Tomorrow 2017
1.Internet is too slow (60%)
2.School blocks websites I need for
schoolwork (51%)
3.Too many rules! (43%)
4.Can’t use my own mobile device or my
social media tools (37%)
5.Teachers limit our technology use (37%)
In 2011, only 32%
In 2011, 50% said this
Students’ report on the obstacles they face using tech for learning at school

21. @Project Tomorrow 2017
1.Internet is too slow (60%)
2.School blocks websites I need for
schoolwork (51%)
3.Too many rules! (43%)
4.Can’t use my own mobile device or my
social media tools (37%)
5.Teachers limit our technology use (37%)
In 2011, only 32%
In 2011, 50% said this
No change in 5 years
Students’ report on the obstacles they face using tech for learning at school

22. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
How students are using
mobile devices for
learning

23. @Project Tomorrow 2017
What devices do you have for your own use?
36%
52%
35%
14%
47%
59%
37%
19%
77%
60%
50%
19%
90%
44%
56%
15%
Smartphone Tablet Laptop Digital Reader
Students and their mobile devices
K-2Gr 3-5Gr 6-8Gr 9-12

24. @Project Tomorrow 2017
1:1 student assigned devices to use in school –laptops, tablets, Chromebooks
Gr 3-5: 30%
Gr 6-8: 33%
Gr 9-12: 40%
Gr 3-5: 26%
Gr 6-8: 20%
Gr 9-12: 9%
Gr 3-5: 45%
Gr 6-8: 44%
Gr 9-12: 32%
What devices do you use at school?
58% of students in Gr 9-12 say they use their own mobile device at school

25. @Project Tomorrow 2017
How are students using mobile devices for learning?
Teacher-directed activities:
Do Internet research
Play education games
Take online tests
Creating docs to share
Work on projects w/classmates
Read online articles
Use online textbooks
Student self-directed activities:
Check grades
Look up class info
Using online dictionary
Email teacher w/questions
Take notes
Receive reminders re tests, projects
Watch videos to support learning

26. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Use of games for learning

27. @Project Tomorrow 2017
What types of digital content are students using in class?
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
AR/VR
Primary source docs
Animations/simulations
Online curriculum
Online videos
Online textbooks
Games
Gr 9-12Gr 6-8

28. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Benefits of learning games? Students say it not just about engagement!
Students: benefits of playing learning games in school
Makes school more interesting
Challenges me to think more than other class activities
Gives me immediate feedback
Increases my engagement in learning
Adapts to what I know –makes it harder or easier for me
I learn more about what we are studying
Fits the way I learn best
My critical thinking and problem solving skills improve
Connects what we are learning to the real world

29. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Fully online classes –sign me up!

30. @Project Tomorrow 2017
High school students’ experience and aspirations for virtual or fully online classes
Online class
subject area
I have taken an
online class in this
subject
I would like to take an
online class in this
subject
World Language 15% 45%
Art Appreciation 10% 44%
Computer Science 15% 42%
Creative Writing 14% 39%
Personal Finance 11% 38%
Math 23% 34%

31. @Project Tomorrow 2017
High school students’ experience and aspirations for virtual or fully online classes
Online class
subject area
I have taken an
online class in this
subject
I would like to take an
online class in this
subject
World Language 15% 45%
Art Appreciation 10% 44%
Computer Science 15% 42%
Creative Writing 14% 39%
Personal Finance 11% 38%
Math 23% 34%
40% of high
school students
say they are
regularly using
online writing
tools on their
own to improve
their writing
skills

32. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
A new (or old) way for student-teacher conferences

33. @Project Tomorrow 2017
If your teacher wants to share with you
information about how well you are doing in
that class or where you need to improve, what is
the best way for them to do that?

34. @Project Tomorrow 2017
#1: Just talk to me in class!
68% of Gr 6-12 students
#2: Send me an email
47% of Gr 6-12 students
#3: Text me
29% of Gr 6-12 students

35. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Let’s hear from our expert panel!
Cooper Johnson 5
th
Grade Plano TX
Connor Johnson 9
th
Grade Plano TX
Charlotte Kaczka 9
th
Grade Albemarle VA
Cassidy Krebsbach 11
th
Grade Milton WI
Ryan Herrington 12
th
Grade Milton WI

36. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Social media –connecting, collaborating, learning

37. @Project Tomorrow 2017
What social media tools are students using?
Selected tools Rarely/never useUse all the time
GirlsBoys GirlsBoys
Facebook 46% 52% 24% 17%
Instagram 20% 32% 50% 33%
Snapchat 17% 31% 59% 39%
Twitter 53% 59% 24% 17%

38. @Project Tomorrow 2017
How are high school students learning about news and current events?
Usage: Rarely/never
Email blasts (62%)
Follow a Twitter hashtag (61%)
Read a print news story (55%)
Listen to radio news (43%)
Usage: Daily/Weekly
Through mobile apps (63%)
Pushed by social media accounts
(48%)
Internet searching (46%)
Texts from family/friends (43%)
Watch online video news story
(41%)

39. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
The all-purpose study guide –the Internet

40. @Project Tomorrow 2017
How frequently are students using the Internet for homework outside of school?
15%
6%
16%
39%
24%
11%
6%
15%
34%
35%
6%
4%
11%
31%
48%
Rarely/never
A few times a year
A few times a month
A few times a week
Daily
Gr 9-12Gr 6-8Gr 3-5
Weekly:
79% Gr 9-12
69% Gr 6-8
63% Gr 3-5

41. @Project Tomorrow 2017
How frequently are students using the Internet for homework outside of school?
How frequently are teachers assigning homework that is digital or Internet dependent?
Use Internet weekly for homework:
79% Gr 9-12Students
69% Gr 6-8Students
63% Gr 3-5 Students
Students’ usage Teachers’ assignments
Assign weekly Internet homework:
29% Gr 9-12Teachers
23%Gr 6-8Teachers
17% Gr 3-5 Teachers

42. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Interest in STEM and coding

43. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Who is interested in a STEM career for their future?
Level of interest Students in urban
schools
Students in
suburban schools
Students in rural
schools
Very interested 35% 35% 31%
Level of interest Students w/
advanced tech
skills
Students w/
average tech skills
Students w/
beginner tech
skills
Very interested 50% 28% 24%
Level of interest Girls Boys
Very interested 28% 39%

44. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Who wants to learn how to code?
Yes, I am interested
in learning how to
code or program a
computer
Girls Boys
Grades 3-5 60% 67%
Grades 6-8 58% 67%
Grades 9-12 50% 65%
•Boys’ interest is
higher even in
elementary
school
•Girls’ interest
declines while
boys’ interest is
sustained thru
high school

45. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Career preparation:
Goodbye, summer camp! Hello, online video!

46. @Project Tomorrow 2017
How do students want
to learn about future
careers in STEM?
Declining interest in ….
After school programs (33%)
Working w/mentors (30%)
Taking a CTE class (29%)
Going to summer camp (28%)
Participating in competitions (27%)
Rising interest in ….
Through work experience (71%)
Career pros as teachers (49%)
Field trips to companies (48%)
Teachers w/industry experience (40%)
Follow experts on social media (35%)
Watching a video about jobs (33%)
Taking an online class (33%)
Taking an online quiz re: abilities (33%)
Playing an online game (31%)

47. @Project Tomorrow 2017
oUsing technology purposely
oCreating, making, inventing
oIn a real world setting –not a
hypothetical environment
oTapping into digital tools and media
oThrough self-directed and personalized
learning that is honored by educators
How do students want to become prepared for the world of work?

48. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Let’s hear from our expert panel!
Cooper Johnson 5
th
Grade Plano TX
Connor Johnson 9
th
Grade Plano TX
Charlotte Kaczka 9
th
Grade Albemarle VA
Cassidy Krebsbach 11
th
Grade Milton WI
Ryan Herrington 12
th
Grade Milton WI

49. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Speak Up 2016 Research Findings: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Technology x learning = my future

50. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Our students like learning!
I like learning about new ideas –
54%
I like learning how to do things –
67%
I like learning how to build or
make things –60%
Learning how to use technology
is an important skill for my
future –53%

51. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Our students like learning!
I like learning about new ideas –54%
I like learning how to do things –67%
I like learning how to build or make
things –60%
Learning how to use technology is an
important skill for my future –53%
I use technology more outside of school for
learning than in school –58%

52. @Project Tomorrow 2017
Learning at my own pace (60%)
Getting better grades and test scores (59%)
Developing creativity skills (55%)
Understanding what I am learning better (53%)
Learning in a way that fits my personal style (51%)
Applying what I am learning to practical problems (50%)
In control of my learning (48%)
Developing critical thinking and problem solving skills (48%)
Collaborating with others more (45%)
As a result of using technology for learning, I am ….

53. @Project Tomorrow 2017
To understand ways to improve school and academic
outcomes for our students, we need to make sure
that we are always “seeing the learning experience”
through the right lens, the lens of our learners

54. National Speak Up reports and infographics
Targeted and thematic reports
Digital learning trends
Mobile learning & social media
Games in the classroom
Blended learning outcomes
Presentations, podcasts and webinars
Services: consulting, workshops, evaluation and efficacy studies
More resources available at www.tomorrow.org

55. Plan to participate in Speak Up 2017
Online surveys for:
o K-12 students –individual + group
o Parents –English and Spanish
o Teachers
o Librarians/Media Specialists
o School Site & District Administrators
o Technology Leaders
o Community Members& Communications
Officers
Gain news insights in the activities, attitudes and aspirations of your stakeholders
Surveys open Oct 2017 –Jan 2018
Learn more www.tomorrow.org/speakup

56. Your questions,
comments,
thoughts

57. Thank you for joining today’s discussion!
Dr. Julie A. Evans
[email protected]
949-609-4660 x15
Twitter: JulieEvans_PTand SpeakUpEd