[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 14, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77852-77854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31994]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request establishment and clearance of this collection. In accordance
with
[[Page 77853]]
the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this
action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will
prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for
no longer than 3 years.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including
through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
DATES: Written comments should be received by February 13, 2012 to be
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA
22230, or by email to [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send
email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay
Service (FIRS) at 1-(800) 877-8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Proposed Project
``National STEM Digital Library/Distributed Learning: Phase 3
Evaluation.''
The proposed project includes a survey of teachers' use of the
National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Digital Library/Distributed Learning (NSDL) Program plus antecedents
and consequences of NSDL use. NSDL is the NSF's online library of
collections and other resources (e.g., tools, services) for STEM
education and research. The teacher survey is part of a Phase 3
evaluation that builds upon the findings of earlier phases of a multi-
stage program evaluation that relied chiefly on existing data. The
survey will be used to understand the frequency with which teachers use
NSDL resources, the ways in which they use these resources for STEM
teaching, and antecedents of or barriers to such use. Results will be
used to identify important lessons learned about the NSDL program from
teachers, who are the ultimate consumer of program resources.
Currently, there is little or no systematic information about teachers'
uses of NSDL despite the significant roles that teachers are expected
to play in the program in terms of both stimulating demand for and
contributing to the creation of digital STEM resources, tools, and
services and also deploying these assets to improve understanding and
delivery of STEM teaching and learning.
Method of Collection
Teachers who have registered to use NSDL resources through
Teachers' Domain, an NSF-funded pathway, will be recruited to complete
the survey. One hundred and eighty teachers will be recruited, with an
estimated response rate of 70%. The survey will be administered online,
although an option for a paper version with a self-addressed stamped
envelope will be provided. The survey consists of 26 questions in the
following categories: (1) Background questions regarding use of NSDL
resources; (2) frequency of use; (3) types of use; (4) perceived
benefits for teaching and learning; (5) ease of use; (6) facilitating
conditions; (7) self-efficacy for STEM teaching and learning; (8)
social influence; (9) personal innovativeness with technology; and (10)
demographic characteristics. Response options for the vast majority of
questions in all categories are close-ended (e.g., 7-point scales
ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree). Participants will be
given a thank-you gift consisting of a $20 gift certificate to
Amazon.com.
Estimated Annual Respondent Burden
Exhibit 1--Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
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Number of
Form name Number of responses per Hours per Total burden
respondents respondent response hours
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Teacher Survey.................................. 180 1 .33 60
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Total....................................... 180 1 .33 60
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Exhibit 2--Estimated Annualized Cost Burden
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Number of Total burden Average hourly Total cost
Form name respondents hours wage rate* burden
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Teacher Survey.................................. 180 60 $26.44 $1586.40
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Total....................................... 180 60 26.44 1586.40
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Based upon the mean national hourly wages across elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, excluding
special education and career/technical education, from Occupational Employment and Wages News Release, U.S.
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 17, 2011. Available at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.htm.
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Estimated Annual Costs to the Federal Government
The estimated total cost for this effort is $109,000; this cost
includes: research staff involved in survey design, piloting,
implementation, analysis, and writing. Additional costs included in
this amount involve staff time for project management and
administration, one-year licenses for survey and analytical software,
respondent payments (gift certificates), and a letter agreement with
Teachers' Domain to pull the sample and contact potential participants.
Dated: December 8, 2011.
Suzanne Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2011-31994 Filed 12-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P