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. Another example is that speech input can be used, in addition to the mouse and the keyboard. The SSP has made a lot of progress this year.
Students can take the survey online, and the generation of the profiles is fully automated.
But there is more to come. We are working on integrating an animated character called Genie into the survey. The Genie listens, speaks, and gives directions to the student. Other plans include translating the survey into Spanish, and computerizing the interventions.