Footprints
A research and evaluation tool for educational networking
Education Development Center
Center for Children and Technology
What is Footprints
Networked-based (requires TCP/IP)
A client/server tool for researchers running on Macintosh computers and UNIX servers
Works with any Internet-based project or work
Useful for case studies, formative or summative evaluations
Longitudinal studies, project evaluations, product testing and/or classroom assessment
The Need
Current evaluations of educational networking projects exist in isolation
Collecting surveys is expensive and time-consuming
Sample size is usually limited as are opportunities for longitudinal anaylsis
Difficult to see patterns of behavior change over time
The Components
What does Footprints track?
Initial questionnaire, log form, statement or survey
Total time within a work session
Time and sequence within applications
URLs visited
Followup/End of task questionnaire, log or form
The Clients
Administrative module
End user module
Server tools
Current Status
Available for Mac-based research projects
Up to 7 applications can be tracked per workstation
Reports must be customized for each research project
Evaluation phase starts in 1996
Projects accepted on a case-by-case basis
Current Limitations
Macintosh workstations only
Data internal to an application is available only for Web browsers
Each site can only sponsor one research project
Future Directions
Multiple projects per site
School-level standalone server
Better teacher administration tools
PC platform
WWW site to handle private reports, public presentations
Ethical Issues
Why track where users go
Protection of identities
User acknowledgement and awareness
Logistical Issues
For more information:
hchang@edc.org