EDLD 5301 Week 5

Week 5 Reflection

As I am completing the final assignments for this class, I am realizing that my confidence is growing. After updating my Action Research Plan, I am more optimistic and even excited about starting the actual research. I think by breaking each part of the planning stages of the plan down and then putting them together helped me understand how to write an action research plan, however, it wasn't until  I was summarizing my plan for the TK20 assignment that I began to see my project as a whole. I don't think my complete understanding of how the plan was going to work came until I sat down and reflected upon it without breaking it down into steps. I am now able to visualize myself carrying out the plan. I am still a little nervous about the data, but with my site-mentor and classmates I believe I will be fine.

Updated Action Research Plan

EDLD 5301 Week 4

Updates...

 This week we learned about different Sustaining Improvement Strategies. I met with my site-mentor, Ms. Wells, to help me see how these different strategies could help in my action plan. We realized that we are already following the "Force Field Analysis" in the way we have the action plan set up. We also decided to use the "Nominal Group Technique" with our participants in our first meeting to help us prioritize, as a group, the technology training they will forgo. I like being able to see my classmates' action plans. I think we all have that sinking question, "did we do this correctly". I am still a little unsure about the appropriate format, but I will be adding a summary or more detailed outline of my action plan. At this time, Ms. Wells and I, decided to keep the action plan the same. We will tweak it as needed throughout the process. I am, however, having trouble with the blog settings, as I am sure you can tell. I have tried to go back and change different settings, but I have not found the answer yet. Please, feel free to offer any suggestions on how I can alter the viewing of my action plan to a make it easier to view and more professional. 

Week 3- Steps to Follow

 

 

Action Research Steps to Follow

Action Planning Template
Goal: How can I help increase the knowledge base and confidence of teachers on technology integration?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Examining the work:  After collaboration with Ms. Wells we decided that we had a large amount of teachers who were not comfortable with the new technology in our classrooms, therefore, not using it effectively or not at all.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	Start: 6/2012 End: 7/2012	Meeting space and time	We concluded there was a need to continue on in our study.
Analyzing data: We decided to use surveys, modeling, observations, and reflections as a way to obtain data. We would compare what the teachers were capable of doing and how they felt about technology before and after the research was conducted.	Lindsey Franklin	Start: 6/2012 End: 10/2012 Ongoing thru-out the process.	Computer, Internet access. Contact time with staff.	Early indications show that multiple hands-on opportunities to use technology in a relevant way will improve the knowledge base and confidence of teachers and technology use.
Developing deeper understanding: Currently we are developing the surveys, a list of willing and applicable participants.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	Start: 6/2012 End: 10/2012 Ongoing thru-out the process.	Computer and Internet access. Contact time with study group.	In this step we are examining the steps and process of the study.
Engaging in Self-Reflection: I will use self-reflection to identify any biases I may have, how to better implement the activities, and how will the time taken to see the project through affect me as a classroom teacher and mother.	Lindsey Franklin	Start: 6/2012 End: 10/2012 Ongoing thru-out the process.	No resources needed.	This step will be ongoing throughout the action research project.
Exploring Programmatic Patterns: As we get back more of our data and develop a deeper understanding of how the group members are progressing, feelings are changing, and how needs are changing we will need to be able to identify any problems beforehand or as soon as possible.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	Start: 6/2012 End: 10/2012 Ongoing thru-out the process.	Meeting time with site-mentor and reflection time. Contact time with study group.	As we evaluate all the data we are gathering we will need to be able to make any changes as needed.
Determining Direction: In this step we will need to be clear on the action research question, applicable teachers willing to participate, activities planned, and time available.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	Start: 6/2012 End: 7/2012	Access to key personnel in the district. Contact time with study group.	As we begin our action research project we will need to be sure we have a clear inquiry question and are aware of changes needed throughout the project.
Taking action for school improvement: During this step we will need to develop professional development that will be available to all staff members. This will need to be approved through the proper channels beginning with our campus principal.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	Start: 10/2012 End: Ongoing	Access to key personnel in the district. Contact time with study group.	During this time we will need to make sure our written plan is error free. We will need to be ready to analyze the data gained and summarize it in a written report to obtain time and space for professional development.
Sustain Improvement: As we discover the most effective activities to train teachers in technology we will need to be prepared to share the findings with other campuses.	Lindsey Franklin Taryn Wells	TBA	Time and funding for additional Professional Development for key personnel in the district.	We plan on having continuous, applicable technology training for staff members in the district.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

EDLD 5301 Week 3

Week 3 Reflection

 I met with my site-mentor this week to discuss how the action research topic was coming along. I had spoken to her the night before about how quickly the research will have to be done, due to the fact that I should be graduating in December. I had been thinking about my previous topic about GT students and technology, but realized that this would be difficult for the teacher and students of the GT class. It would be almost impossible to receive much data from the children in such a short amount of time. We had talked about how about half of our teachers lack the knowledge base and confidence needed to use and integrate within lessons. We decided we would take a sample of teachers and work with them vigorously to see what was needed to increase their knowledge and confidence with technology. We have come up with the process, activities, data, and teachers that will be part of the project. I am excited about working with this group of teachers.

Week 3- Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan

SCHOOL VISION:  Develop a highly trained staff that understands and utilizes the most up to date technology available, seamlessly integrating it into the curriculum. GOAL: How can I help increase the knowledge base and confidence of teachers on technology integration? OUTCOMES ACTIVITIES RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES TIME LINE ASSESSMENT  INSTRUMENT(S) TO EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS PROCESS FOR MONITORING ACHIEVEMENT OF GOALS/OBJ. For me to have literature to guide me in developing the activities and document the need for the inquiry question. 1. Literature research on how and why teachers are not utilizing technology given to them in the classroom. Internet research/ pass class journals and articles 1.  Lindsey Franklin Summer Reflect upon information and use as needed. 1. Ongoing summative assessment. Having teachers’ honest answers and views will allow me to assist them in the proper areas. 1. Staff survey of wants and needs of technology integration. 2. Initial whole group meeting to discuss results of the surveys and set up rapport. 1.  Online through staff e-mail.  2. Whole group meeting in a classroom. 1.  Lindsey Franklin    Lindsey Franklin/ Taryn Wells (when available) Summer August 2012 1. Review Results 1. Ongoing summative assessment. Teachers to become more effective with using and contributing to the share drive. 1.     Introduce share drive and demonstrate how to utilize. 2.     How to add websites, games, and files to the share drive.  Whole group meeting in the computer lab where every teacher will be following along on a computer.                                                                                                                        Whole group meeting in the computer lab where every teacher will be following along on a computer.                  1. Lindsey Franklin/Taryn Wells (as available)       2. Lindsey Franklin        August 2012 August 2012 Meet individually as needed. 2. Meet individually as needed. 1. Ongoing summative assessment. Teachers to become more effective users of ipads/ipods and apps. 1.     Review ipad, ipod, and apps. Student led meeting. 1.Whole group meeting with ipads.   Lindsey Franklin/Taryn Wells (as available) Beginning of September 2012 1.     Have teachers log the use and action of their Ipads. 1.  Ongoing summative assessment. Moving beyond common uses of ipads and ipods. 1.     Sharing ways to use a single ipad/ ipod with multiple students simultaneously. 1a. Individual class meeting with each teacher to have them set up the ipad for use with the projector and assist as needed.  2.Teachers will come and observe me working with multiple students on a single ipad.       3.I will observe each teacher working with multiple students on a single ipad. 1.Whole group meeting to share ways to use a single ipad/ipod with multiple students simultaneously. 1a. Individual teachers in their classroom.  2. My classroom/observation form 3.Each teachers classroom/evaluation form to provide feedback     Lindsey Franklin/Taryn Wells (as available) Lindsey Franklin Lindsey Franklin  Lindsey Franklin Middle of September 2012  Middle of September 2012 Middle of September 2012 Middle of Septemeber 2012 1.     Have teachers log the   use and action of their              ipads/ipods in multiple             student activities. 2.Teachers will complete a          form to record            observations with            questions guiding          reflection.  3. I will complete an           evaluation form and          provide feedback for       teachers. 1.  Ongoing summative assessment. Teachers will become more efficient with Mimio use. 1.     Whole group meeting to discuss the needs identified through the beginning survey and answer any basic Mimio skills. 2.     I will observe each individual teacher using the Mimio during a lesson. Whole group meeting with a computer, projector, and Mimio. Individual classroom and observation form.   Lindsey Franklin/Taryn Wells (as available) Lindsey Franklin End of September 2012  End of September 2012 1. Teachers will complete a              3-2-1 sheet before leaving       and will keep a log of use and          action of Mimio.  2.I will observe and provide feedback to each teacher. 1.  Ongoing summative assessment. Teachers will be able to create or alter existing Mimio lessons. 3.     Each teacher will follow along at their computer as we create and alter a lesson. 3a. I will assist each teacher individually to create or alter an existing Mimio lesson. Whole group meeting in computer lab. 3a. Individual classroom, computer, and Mimio.   Lindsey Franklin/Taryn Wells (as available) Lindsey Franklin Beginning of October 2012 Beginning of October 2012 3.Observation and feedback.  Ongoing summative assessment. Analyze data to show that teachers in the study have increased their knowledge of technology use in the classroom. 4.     Ending Survey Staff Email Lindsey Franklin Middle of October 2012 4.Chart growth or change in knowledge, attitudes, and       feelings of teachers. The timeline will be adjusted as needed due to fact that I will be completing my Master’s Degree in December.