DoDDS-E.net Mini-Analysis_M_Richardson

Background: Our district has purchased the use of a student email system related to Gaggle.net, titled DoDDS-E.net. This student email system allows students to email, store materials in digital lockers, instant message, blog, and post to discussion boards in an environment that is safe for children. In past years, upper elementary students (4th-6th), at my school, have used some sections of DoDDS-E.net, however, the email function is the function used the most without students being guided. DoDDS-E.net is a tool that is being used, but not to its full potential by students and very few teachers.

Audience: 5th grade students (16)

Survey Questions:
Have you Used DoDDS-E.net? Yes, answer evens; No, answer odds

Yes:
Check the DoDDS-E.net features you are comfortable using. (email, blog, digital lockers, instant message, post discussion boards)
How often do you access DoDDS-E.net
How would you like to use DoDDS-E.net in school?
What DoDDS-E.net feature would you like to learn more about?
Would you be interested in taking a class online about how to use DoDDS-E.net?

No:
What has prevented you from accessing DoDDS-E.net
Check the items you are able to perform. (email, blog, digital lockers, instant message, post discussion boards)
Would you like to learn more about how to use DoDDS-E.net? Why or Why not?
If you had access to DoDDS-E.net, what feature would you like to learn more about?
Would you be interested in taking a class online about how to use DoDDS-E.net?

Number of People: 16 students were surveyed, however 14 were only used for the analysis because it appeared that 2 students misunderstood the survey by answering all questions instead of answering questions related to "if they had used DoDDS-E.net or not".

Mini-Analysis: The analysis is based on those who answered “Yes” to using DoDDS-E.net and those who answered “No” to using DoDDS-E.net. Questions were provided for those answering “yes” and questions provided for those answering “no”.
Answered Yes: Nine of the fourteen students had used DoDDS-E.net before. They expresses that they could comfortable use at least one feature in DoDDS-E.net. The most comfortable feature being using email with blogging being a close second. There were two students that expressed that they were comfortable with just the instant message feature. About 56 % of those who have used DoDDS-E.net visited the site at least once a day. Instant messaging, blogging, and emailing with family and friends were the features that the students would like to use in school the most. Those that answered expressed that instant messaging, discussion boards, and digital lockers were the features they would like to learn more about. About 33% of the students agreed that they would be interested in taking an online class about using DoDDS-E.net.

Answered No: The five students that had not used DoDDS-.net before all stated that they knew nothing about the program to access it all. Emailing and blogging were features the students were able to perform using other systems. 80% of the students expressed that learning more about DoDDS-E.net would be of interest to them. The reasons given were: “to help with school”, “don’t know much about
it”, and to “get in touch with friends.” The students expressed a variety of features they would like to learn more about; the most feature being emailing and blogging followed by posting to discussion boards, and digital lockers. 60% of the students said that they would be interested in taking an online class about DoDDS-E.ent.

Info for Course: The analysis provided some evidence that a course about the features of DoDDS-E.net may bring about more usage of the features available in DoDDS-E.net. Since the students expressed that they were comfortable emailing and blogging either in DoDDS-E.net or in other systems, the main instructional goals could be related to discussion boards, blogging, and digital lockers. The course could provide definitions, real-world examples of ways used by students, and lessons to help orient them about these features. I think additional student and teacher input could help guide the course with topics that would be beneficial and interesting for increased usage of DoDDS-E.net features.