10 teachers from SFUSD attended the 11/7/2000 ISTAT workshop,
representing McAteer (2), Wallenberg (2), Balboa, Marshall, 
Washington, O'Connell, International Studies Academy, and Mission.
The teachers had an average of 13 years experience, but the
distribution was actually such that 4 had 3 years experience
or less and 4 had 15 years of experience or more.
Most (although not all) were currently teaching Earth
science.  In contrast to the average of 13 years teaching
experience, these teachers had an average of 2 years 
experience in teaching Earth science.

7 of the 10 teachers reported access to computers "that could
run more Internet Web sites".  40% of the teachers use a computer
daily for non-curricular activities such as grading, attendance, or
word processing for tests, while the remaining teachers used it
between weekly and once every few months.  90% of the teachers
use computers to research background material for their content
area, with access varying from daily to monthly.  Although 2 teachers
reported being very uncomfortable with use of the WWW and Internet,
most teachers reported being reasonably comfortable.  This
comfort level did not correlate strongly with teaching experience.

Interesting, these teachers reported having students use the
WWW only once every few months on average, while 3 teachers
indicated that they never allowed use.   Of those 3, one
teacher cited inexperience as a reason, one cited lack of access,
and the 3rd indicated a lack of relevant or useful resources

Prior to the workshop, teachers cited a number of features that a 
Web site should offer:

	Speed

	Ease of use
	Easy for kids

	No gimicks
	No ads
	Not-for-profit
	No garbage

	Good content
	Good graphics
	Appropriate language
	Need to fit into "big picture"

	Questions/quizzes


After the workshop, the teachers reported an increase in their
comfort level with the Internet and WWW.  Overall, the workshop was
rated as 4.6 out of 5, where 1 is poor and 5 is excellent.

Teachers indicated that the time to navigate the ISTAT Earth Science
web site and plan were the highlight of the workshop.  Teachers also
commented on the opportunity to test online activities and the
books and materials provided.  One teacher did not find the time
writing an outline useful while another hated the hands-on P/S wave
activity.

All teachers indicated that they found the ISTAT ES Web site "friendly"
and 9 out of 10 indicated that they would use it again (the 10th 
is concerned about access).  The teachers loved the course outlines in
particular, but also praised the organization and activities.  One teacher
thought that some of the linked activities were too hard to use in the
classroom.

In terms of followup, almost all teachers indicated that meeting at their
school with other 9th grade teachers would be good.  3 expressed interest
in one on one meetings and half indicated that another professional 
development day would be useful.

In terms of other feedback, we received a number of comments indicated
that this workshop filled a significant hole in their resources.  Most
teachers really liked Earth Science in the News and indicated that they
would use it.  Since the workshop, we have received email follow-up from 2
teachers.