Results from the 5th Annual Speak Up survey, the largest annual national survey of K-12 students, teachers, parents, and school administrators, about the use of technology and science resources. Speak Up 2007 revealed a growing “digital disconnect” between students and their teachers and parents about the role of technology for learning, and how well schools are doing to prepare students for the jobs of the future.

This disconnect is evident in the fact that 66% of school administrators, 47% of teachers, and 43% of parents say “local schools are doing a good job preparing students for the jobs and careers of the future,” but over 40% of middle and high school students stated that teachers limit their use of technology in schools. Forty-five percent of middle and high school students indicated that tools meant to protect them, such as firewalls and filters are inhibiting their learning.

Some highlights

Both students and educators expressed interest in exploring online learning opportunities; however, the percentage of students with direct experience with online learning remains small (8% with school-based online class experience, and 6% with "out of school" personal experience):

• More than 33% of high school students, 24% of middle school students, and 19% of 3 - 5 grade students with no previous online class experience stated they would like to take an online class, with girls having a slightly stronger interest than boys;
• 45% of school and district administrators identified online learning as a way to boost student engagement; and,
• 33% of teachers have explored how to incorporate online learning into their classroom.

When students were asked why they would be interested in online learning:

• Over one-quarter of all students, grades 3 -12, see online courses as a way to work at their own learning pace;
• High school students were most interested in earning college credit (43%);
• Middle school students are seeking extra help in a subject (39%), and;
• Elementary students view it as a new way to learn something (31%).

One-third of teachers surveyed said they were interested in online learning for professional development - an increase of 29% from 2006 - and 26% stated that online learning is their preferred training methodology.

In addition to collecting viewpoints on teaching and learning with technology, 21st century skills and science instruction in America 's schools, this year's Speak Up surveys also polled students, parents and educators on the influence of such new emerging technologies as educational gaming, online learning, and mobile devices within learning environments.