Technology Readiness Data: MTRAX Network / Infrastructure / Device Level

Network / Infrastructure / Device Level

Schools in Michigan participated in the Michigan Technology Readiness Survey (MTRAX) during the 2012-2013 academic year. The three specific levels of technology readiness that the survey focused on were:

• Network 
• Infrastructure 
• Device

The outcomes of the survey have been provided to each district and are to be used as baseline data to determine which level(s) of technology readiness must be addressed prior to full implementation of the next generation of online assessments. 

MTRAX Survey Data

In 2012-2013 school districts across Michigan participated in the Michigan Technology Readiness Survey (MTRAX).  The results were compiled and each district received a report delineating their "readiness" for online assessment given their network specifics at the time, the infrastructure in place and the number of devices in each building that met the specifications for successful online assessment. 

A sample of an ISD level report is included below.

It should be noted that the information in the 2012-2013 report represents a snapshot of relative readiness at the time the survey was conducted.  Districts have since had the opportunity to upgrade their network, improve infrastructure and purchase new devices to increase readiness.  

Districts will participate in another round of MTRAX during the 2013-2014 school year to update their readiness indicators around network, infrastructure and devices.  

Link to Sample: District-level Survey Report from 2012-13

MTRAX Key Findings

MTRAX evaluates three critical areas to determine school/district readiness for online testing:

• Network Readiness for Testing
• Infrastructure/Testing Specifications
• Device Readiness for Testing

Network Readiness for Testing

Network Readiness for Testing

The bandwidth available on the school Internet connection during the testing window must be sufficient to accommodate the load generated by the maximum number of simultaneous test takers at the school. In addition, the ratio of wireless devices to wireless access points in each testing location must meet minimum standards.

Infrastructure/Testing Specifications

Infrastructure/Testing Specifications

The testing window and testing schedule provided by the school must adequately accommodate the number of student test sessions required. This is calculated based on: the number of testing locations, the number of days of scheduled testing, the number of testing periods per day, the maximum number of students to be accommodated in each location multiplied by the number of tests to be administered (i.e., mathematics, English language arts, etc.).

Device Readiness for Testing

Device Readiness for Testing

Given the testing specifications provided by the school, the number of devices that meet minimum specifications in each testing location must be sufficient to accommodate the maximum number of test-eligible students scheduled to use that testing location any period during the testing window. Although not used to determine readiness, headphones for each device should be available, along with a printer in each testing location.

Overall Readiness Rating

Want to read more about these metrics?  Follow this Link!

Summary

This report contains important information on school-level readiness.  Look for the 2012-13 report now.. .ask for the 2013-14 report when it becomes available... and compare the two to determine progress!

Link to MTRAX informational Power Point provided by the MTRAX team.

You are now ready to move on to the next activity: Tech Readiness (MTRAX) Quiz