BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction is seeking input from Alabama public school parents about the use of technology in classrooms.
The commission has released separate online surveys for parents, teachers and school administrators. The surveys are available by clicking on this link.
The surveys are intended to gather feedback to inform the commission’s recommendations to Gov. Kay Ivey, which are due Dec. 1.
The parent survey asks about the potential benefits and risks of screen use in schools.
“The purpose of the study is to explore perceptions of screen uses in schools including benefits and risks,” Cailin Kerch, a commission member who helped design the surveys, wrote in a response to Alabama Daily News.
Kerch, a clinical associate professor of early childhood education, curriculum and instruction at the University of Alabama, said since the release of the surveys last week, they’ve received responses from over 1,300 educators and school leaders.
Kerch said she was pleased with the response from educators but hopes to hear from more parents.
“While we hope to continue expanding educator participation, our greatest need is responses from parents of K-12 public school students, whose perspectives are essential,” Kerch said.
The educator surveys collect information on how technology is being used in classrooms and schools.
“Results may be used to inform policy & professional development opportunities provided at the local and state level,” Kerch wrote.
The survey closes Oct. 26 at 8 a.m.
The commission’s next meeting is Nov. 10.