The Results Are In: 2008 Educommunicators Online Survey
The results are in! On behalf of the entire Educommunicators Board of Advisors, I'd like to thank each and every person who took the time to participate in our 2008 survey. What did we learn? Educommunicators are proud of the work they do. They want to continue to improve and learn. And they recognize the important intersection their work plays in education field and the profession in general.
All told, nearly 25 percent of our rapidly growing membership took part in this survey. And that's saying a lot when you look at the hundreds of Educommunicators joining us through Facebook, LinkedIn, the general Internet, and our infant email distribution.
Without further ado, let's get right to the results:
What issues do you want to see Educommunicators focus on in 2009?
* Spotlight communications best practices -- 67.1%
* Discuss ways to use new media -- 64.6%
* Share education news -- 46.3%
* Education policy analysis -- 39%
* Discussion board -- 36.6%
* Webcasts/podcasts -- 32.9%
* Job postings 32.9%
What is the best medium for Educommunicators to engage marketing communications professionals?
* Email -- 60%
* Educommunicators blog -- 36.3%
* Educommunicators website -- 32.5%
* Facebook -- 32.5%
* LinkedIn -- 25%
* Listserve -- 7.5%
* Twitter -- 7.5%
* Yahoo group -- 3.8%
What are the major challenges you face as an education communicator?
* Making use of new technologies in a strategic way -- 62.4%
* Thinking long-term and staying on a strategic course -- 43.9%
* Maintaining conversations with stakeholders -- 41.5%
* Convincing colleagues or higher-ups of the value of your work -- 37.8%
What are your communications areas of expertise?
* Media relations -- 59.5%
* Community relations -- 50.6%
* Marketing -- 44.3%
* Public affairs -- 38%
* Research -- 38%
* Design and creative services -- 27.8%
* Government relations -- 25.3%
* Technology -- 25.3%
What is the most important tool for effective communications?
* The right message -- 43.8%
* Strong network of contacts -- 26.3%
* An issue stakeholders care about -- 18.8%
* Background as an educator -- 8.8%
* Power of technology -- 2.5%
Following are our open-ended questions. Highlighted, you'll find the most repeated answers.
On what specific issues would you like Educommunicators to focus?
* Best practices/case studies
* New media/Web 2.0/digital equity/social media
* Federal policy actions/developments
* Getting the organization to listen to its PR people
* Learning about what is happening in other states, other organizations
What do you consider the most useful resources or information in your work?
* Education blogs
* Colleagues
* Professional organizations
* Web sites
* Print publications/research studies
To what professional organizations do you currently belong?
* NSPRA
* EWA
* IABC
* CASE
* PRSA
* Assorted education content groups
How might Educommunicators add value to your professional work?
* Connecting to others in the field/networking
* Best practices/case studies
* Regular updates on what others are doing in the field
* New strategies
What are the most important education issues the nation will face in 2009?
* Financing/money/economy
* Accountability
* NCLB and other federal policy developments
* Technology
You've given us a great deal to think about and an incredible fountain of information on which to build this professional community in 2009. Over the next week, I'll be posting some specific action steps that Educommunicators will pursue as a result of your feedback. As always, if you have any additional thoughts, please post a comment. You can do it through Facebook, LinkedIn, this blog, or just email Educommunicators (info@educommunicators.com) and we'll get your comments circulated throughout the group.
Here's to an exciting, informative, and impactful first year for Educommunicators!
Posted by Educommunicators at 1/12/2009 5:36 AM 
Categories: Websites,blogs,new media,social media,EWA,NSPRA
Categories: Websites,blogs,new media,social media,EWA,NSPRA
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