| This research addressed the development and validation of a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) instrument as a guide for solving practical problems identified in Idaho's school districts in technology integration. This was done in a two-step process. The first was the development of a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) instrument. The second step in this research project was the validation of the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) instrument.;The pilot test was completed in Regions IV, V, and VI which includes 55 southeastern Idaho school districts. From this pool, 15 districts agreed to use the TNA instrument for gathering their needs assessment data, as part of this pilot testing project.;For the qualitative portion of the validation pilot study, three districts were selected to take part in an interview process. The final portion of data collected was the actual technology plan for one school district, which was examined to determine if needs, as identified through the TNA instrument, were included in their planning process.;The TNA instrument is divided into two primary sections: The Demographics section and the Professional Use of Integrated Practices section. Each of which were examined based on three research questions.;In addressing the research questions, the quantitative and qualitative data appeared to support the effectiveness of the TNA instrument. The analysis of three of the 15 targeted school districts indicated the instrument is supported in identifying issues under Research Question One for (a) access, (b) level of use, and (c) teaching practices, and for issues under Research Question Two for (a) the professional use of technology by teachers, (b) the integrated use of technology by teachers, and (c) technology in-service needs of teachers. However, (a) support (Research Question One) and (b) the level of teacher technology support (Research Question Two) could not be substantiated since information was not forthcoming during the interview portion of the study and was not an area of primary concern for S.D. 8 in their technology plan. |
