Issue 24: May 2009

IG 2.0 - Using technology to improve our services
by Deborah Matilla

The Improve Group staff loves to keep abreast of new ways to technology to enhance our work and play. On the play side, we have recently created an Improve Group Facebook page (become a fan here) and took a break with our co-workers to have a Wii bowling tournament.

We’ve added new technology to our work, too. To improve out services the Improve Group uses several software packages and online resources when we conduct research and evaluation projects.

• SNAP Surveys is the tool we use to create web and paper-based surveys for our clients. SNAP allows us to create dynamic web-based surveys with unique question sets for different survey populations, customizable layout and design features, and rapid, easy to use response count and analysis features.
• The Improve Group recently added a survey scanning module to our SNAP license that allows us to inexpensively print and scan several thousands of surveys. This feature is particularly useful in school settings or with populations for which computer or internet access is limited. Scanning surveys also eliminates the need for hand entry of paper surveys, which can be time consuming and prone to human error.
• SNAP online allows us to create a user account for our clients, providing instant and secure access to survey results.
• The Improve Group relies on SPSS to run statistical analysis of survey and program data for our clients. SPSS has robust tools for data cleaning, coding, and rigorous statistical analysis. We use online confidence calculators to determine how reflective the results from small samples are on wider community populations.
• We have recently begun using web-chat services for focus groups and our Brown Bag conversation series. We use Cover It Live to embed chat windows on our corporate website and connect with focus group or conversation participants. This allows us to connect with people we might not otherwise be able to due to geographic or time constraints. We are looking forward to adapting this chat service to future client projects.
• The Improve Group uses MS Excel for simple and complex charts and graphs of survey and other data. Our staff is adept at customizing chart types, layouts and graphic design elements for maximum data clarity and communication of key findings. We use several online tools for customizing charts, including Color Brewer, a color diagnostic tool that helps us to prepare appropriate color schemes based on how many data classes we have and whether those classes are sequential, diverging or qualitative. Another favorite online tool comes from Peltier Technical Services, which helps us format our Excel tables to create unique chart types for complex and multi-variable data sets.

The Improve Group interest in the use of technology extends to our clients. We are currently evaluating two curricular technology integration initiatives at school districts in both the Metro area and greater Minnesota. In our work on these projects we have learned about many new and exciting developments in curricular technology, such as interactive white boards, student response clickers and Moodle sites.

Learning and adopting new technologies that help us do our work better creates a situation where everyone wins in time and cost efficiency, accuracy and accessibility. We consider new uses of technology tools and services as an important investment in our professional development and the quality of service to our clients.

Adventures of an Intern
by Mary Robison

I feel very fortunate to be working as the Improve Group intern this Spring and Summer. It has been a real joy joining such a great team.  In terms of my background, I could probably go onto the Improve Group website and cut and paste pieces of other peoples’ biographies!  I attended Macalester College for undergrad (just like Leah and Becky!), majoring in Latin American Studies and Spanish.  Shortly thereafter, I received my Masters in Public Policy at the Humphrey Institute (also like Leah, Becky, Eric, and perhaps others in the office that I am forgetting…).

After graduate school, I packed up my suitcase and headed to New York City. However, after just a month in NYC, I ended up finding a job in Washington DC (surprise, surprise) and moved down there instead.  I lived in DC for three years, working as a policy analyst and trying to navigate a very different environment than what I was used to in the Midwest.  I learned a great deal in DC, but ultimately decided to head home, so my partner and I moved back to the Twin Cities last year.

I am currently getting ready for my next adventure. I’ve decided to pursue my love of teaching, and joined Teach for America (I know, how very “22 years old” of me.)  I will be working as one of 38 corps members in the Twin Cities this fall. I am just thrilled that I will be teaching Spanish, which will bring together my love of the language, Latin American culture, and teaching. I have high hopes for being an effective teacher who can help her students build literacy and language skills while engaging them in meaningful discussions about cultural diversity, difference, and bias in our society.  In my book, it just doesn’t get any better than that.  I am really enjoying my time here at the Improve Group, and all that they do to improve and enrich education and other social programs.  I know that I will carry this experience with me wherever I go. Thank you for having me!