TANN Focus Group 2007

TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY OF NORTHEAST NEBRASKA

TANN

STUDENT FOCUS GROUP REPORT

Prepared by

Dr. Robert A. Mortenson

Metropolitan Educational Technology Services

May 31, 2007

Introduction:

 Northeast Community College (NECC), surrounding rural school districts, and businesses joined together to form the Technology Academy of Northeast Nebraska (TANN).  Northeast Community College, which leads TANN, is a public, comprehensive community college, situated in Northeast Nebraska.  TANN, funded by the National Science Foundation is completing its first 18 months of operation, and has offered many select courses during the first year, such as Digital Media, Web Page Design, Web Page Development, Computer Applications and PC Maintenance and Repair.

The TANN project is particularly committed to challenging middle grade school, high school, and community college students to become interested and well prepared in information technology. TANN has created a unique model for information technology coursework that includes: articulated, seamless education from high school to community college to four-year colleges; joint delivery of information technology courses in the community college setting for dual enrollment opportunities; coordinated student outreach and recruitment focusing especially on underrepresented populations (women and students of color); expanded work-based learning opportunities; and shared secondary teacher/college faculty professional development opportunities.

This report has been designed to provide qualitative data regarding students’ responses to a series of questions related to the operations of TANN.  Students who have participated in TANN classes, or are currently enrolled in TANN classes were invited to meet with a project external evaluator to provide information relative to their perceptions of overall project goals.

Prior to the beginning of the focus group meeting the external evaluator indicated to those present that their responses would be kept confidential, and that the information collected would be aggregated into a single document.  In addition, the external evaluator informed those present that their responses would assist in providing direction for future project activities.

The following provides the reader with qualitative data resulting from a focus group interaction between TANN project students and an external evaluator. Bullet-type statements are reported rather than a lengthy narrative for each question, which provides the reader with a succinct overview of the students’ responses.

Questions posed to the students are in bold face type followed by a synthesis of the students’ responses.  In general, students were pleased with the overall operation of the project and were exceptionally pleased with the opportunities afforded to them as a result of enrolling in the TANN project.  Students were quick to cite positive benefits associated with the project as well as to recommend suggestions for the improvement of the project. 

It was interesting to note that suggestions for improvement were directed toward getting more students to take advantage of the coursework offered by the TANN project.  Student comments regarding classes offered were very positive

1. What were the primary reasons for enrolling in TANN Project courses?

·         The program was highly recommended by students who were previously enrolled in TANN courses. 

·         The courses offered were pre-requisites for a Computer Engineering degree.

·         The ability to obtain college credit while still in high school. 

·         Wanted to be in the class of the faculty member who was teaching the course. 

·         The TANN project provided an opportunity to prepare secondary school students for college.

2. What have been the major benefits of your participation in the TANN project?

·                     The TANN project offered an opportunity to choose where to obtain instruction in the area of information technology

·                     Dual Credit opportunity was offered providing the opportunity to accrue college credits while still enrolled in high school.

·                     Enrollment in courses offered by the TANN project provided a preview of a college curriculum and expectations.

·                     Coursework presented a strong foundation giving a better understanding of concepts for entry into advanced coursework

·                     Attending TANN project classes broke up the monotony of high school, re-energized students, and provided a greater focus on learning.

·                     TANN classes offered an opportunity to interact with students with similar interests from other high schools.

3. Has coursework offered by the TANN Project assisted you in your college career and how?

·                     The classes offered by the TANN project helped in being better able to handle other college classes.

·                     The PC Maintenance course provided instruction that made following classes much easier to understand and the Computer Literacy course made it easier to use other formats.

·                     Social skills were enhanced through classroom discussions with college age students.

·                     Enrolling in TANN classes while still in high school provided a preview of college instruction.

·                     Information gained from TANN classes remains useful at my job site.

·                     Enrollment in the TANN project classes opened up a broad venue for investigating college majors that used a high degree of information technology.

4. Do you feel that the coursework offered by the TANN Project aligns with the curriculum you are now taking in college?

·                     The classes offered by the TANN project eliminated the need to take prerequisites listed for college level courses.

·                     The TANN courses were aligned with college level courses.

·                     The first semester PC Maintenance course was an excellent review for ensuing courses.

·                     The coursework provided a foundation from which to select or change a desired field of study.

·                     The principles and concepts taught in TANN courses apply to many other courses.

·                     The TANN courses were hardware based which will provide support for coding classes that will be taken when enrolled in either the community college or four year institution of higher education.

5. Were there benefits of enrolling in TANN Project coursework, and if so, what were they?

·                     The classes offered by the TANN project prepared students for college and for a career in information technology. 

·                     Students were treated as college students and not secondary school students.

·                     TANN classes provided an opportunity to develop personal resources that became the students’ own help desk.

·                     Everyone attending TANN classes wanted to be enrolled in the classes and was more committed to meeting the goals and objectives of the classes.

·                     TANN was the “Carrot” to motivate students to work harder and achieve better grades.

6. What were the best attributes of the TANN Project?

·                     The classes were free, which resulted in students paying less for their overall college experience.

·                     A well informed faculty teaching the courses.

·                     A challenging curriculum was offered to those enrolling in TANN classes.

·                     Resources were available to assist in TANN classes.

·                     TANN allowed students to go beyond the basics with planned activities for student overachievement support necessary support mechanisms.

·                     TANN classes provided students an opportunity to reach higher levels of maturity not usually achieved in secondary schools.

·                     The ability to carry on meaningful discussions with other students and faculty.

·                     The TANN experience provided the “Stepping Stones” to bigger and better opportunities.

7. What recommendations would you suggest for improvement of the TANN Project?

·         Offer more variety of classes. 

·         Provide scholarship opportunities for students pursuing college degrees. 

·         Promote the TANN project more around participating school districts, especially with school counselors and principals. 

·         Integrate TANN project enrollments with registration of regular high school classes. 

·         Include information about the Unix System in one of the existing TANN courses