new ecotypes survey institutional code procedure

[James Proctor]

Dear colleagues — Some of you have had your students complete the new EcoTypes survey in the last few weeks; thank you!

In looking at respondent data so far, I'm concerned that the method I provided of entering an institutional code in the general notes/comments box may be neglected by certain students, or there may be a tendency for entry error.

So, I have gone back to the method I used in the former survey: a designated dropdown box (see attached, with instructions for all final screen fields), with agreed-upon institutional codes entered in alpha order.

If your students have already entered their institutional code in the notes/comments box at the end, no worries!...I can readily find them. Otherwise, please instruct your students to use the new dropdown box to enter their institutional code.

If you still plan to use the EcoTypes survey in your class, simply inform me of your institutional code(s) and I can add them to the dropdown box. I recommend your code include something related to your institution, course, and time (e.g., semester/year), but it is totally up to you. We can come up with new institution codes when you do the survey again, or re-use your existing codes.

(Note: this institutional code is optional. You will most commonly use it if you wish to obtain your course data, as the new survey is anonymous. The default option at top of dropdown, "Not applicable," will thus cover other cases in which there is no code.)

Do be in touch if questions, and thank for for helping with rollout of the new EcoTypes survey!

Regards,

Jim P.