Currently the online version is being piloted in a number of schools over the Internet. The survey program uses Netscape Navigator as an application host. Although many online surveys are found on the Internet today, the SSP differentiates itself as a full multi-media Java application. Graphics and sounds, integrated into an intuitive interface, help guide the student through the survey. The advantages of the online version are very clear.
Many schools have a classroom set up with multiple computers with a connection to the Internet.
Students fill out the survey on the computer in approximately 25 minutes, and the school monitor prints the profile. These surveys are sent back to SSP administration at the School of Social Work, who enters the data into a computer, prints the profiles, and sends them back to the school. Computerized surveys are more interactive, and have more possibilities than the traditional paper and pencil survey. Not only is it possible to react upon specific answers or situations in the survey, alternative mediums can be used. For example, sound and speech can be used for students with reading disabilities, in addition to graphical display.