More About the Process

Information to be used for future planning must be accurate and reliable. This is especially true in the area of technology as new advancements fuel the seemingly endless improvements we see each day. To help make sure that we are doing all that we can to ensure data accuracy, we have put some process safeguards in place.

First, all of the data submitted from local schools will be stored in an Oracle data base in the Department of Education. Each school corporation will be given a special code for accessing the forms to ensure that only authorized users from a local school can get into the forms to enter information. This will prohibit students and other unauthorized personnel from adding or changing data for your schools. As local superintendents and principals assign their teams to answer the inventory questions, they are free to distribute the access code to as many or as few people as they want. This is a local decision. Access codes will be mailed to the superintendent.

Secondly, after all of the inventory data has been submitted, local Superintendents will receive a copy of the information for review. We ask that you review the information for accuracy for schools in your corporation. After you and we are satisfied that the data are accurate, we will begin the process of compiling it for reporting and planning purposes.

We understand that many surveys on technology use in education are either conducted over the phone or are answered hurriedly. While these results sometimes get published in national reports, they may or may not be as accurate as they could be. We hope that this process of using the web and providing avenues for feedback and questions, helps you to provide the best information possible.

We also know that you and your staff are busy with the job of preparing our students for the future. We appreciate your time and the time of your team members who answer the inventory. This information will provide us with a solid foundation on which to build future programs and funding for Indiana's educational technology initiatives.

Thank you!