The Alberta Teachers’ Association

ATA conducts survey of digital and online reporting
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Alberta and the Alberta Assessment Consortium, is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the growing uses of online and digital student reporting platforms across the province. The primary goal of this study is to assess the effect of the growing use of these reporting processes and software platforms on teachers’ workload and student learning, as well as on overall assessment practices.  

For the purpose of this survey, digital and online reporting refers to the use of databases and software programs that facilitate the gathering of student data and progress reports. Currently in Alberta, there are a variety of digital report cards and software packages that are used to collect and report student progress reports. Teachers’ participation in this survey will help assess the effect of these reporting tools on student learning and teaching practices.

The online survey, accessible from the ATA home page (www.teachers.ab.ca) should take about15 minutes to complete. The survey is voluntary and all responses will be confidential. Only aggregate data will be ­reported. No data from open-ended questions that might identify an individual respondent will be used without permission. The data will be analyzed and a report provided to the ATA. The results may also be presented at academic conferences or published in academic journals.

The second phase of this study will involve focus groups and interviews during the fall of 2010. Teachers interested in participating in focus groups and interviews should follow instructions featured at the end of the online survey.  

Questions about this survey should be directed to Stanley Varnhagen. Telephone: 780-492-3641; e-mail:
stanley.varnhagen@ualberta.ca.

The plan for this study has been reviewed for its adherence to ethical guidelines and ­approved by the Faculties of Education, Extension, Augustana, Saint Jean Research Ethics Board (EEASJ REB) at the University of ­Alberta. For questions regarding participant rights and ethical conduct of research, contact the Chair of the EEA REB at
780-492-3751.