Reflection on week two of EDLD 5301 Research

This week in Research, we looked at three interviews with administrators on action research.  They gave examples of research in their schools.  Dr. Johnny Briseno, the principal of Rancho Isabella Elementary in Angleton ISD, explained the significance of data in research.  We also looked at the nine passions that drive your journey as an educator.  In all the nine passion areas, action research will aid administrators in their goals of improving their schools and communities.  Finally, this week I learned about what action research I will complete for my internship.  We have just implemented a form called a “trouble shooter.”  This form replaces the traditional referral and is an attempt to kept students in class and gain a commitment from them regarding their behavior.  I would like to research is how effective our new trouble shooter form is at deterring disruptive behavior.   

Reflection on Action Research

Action research is a method of inquiry which involves an administrator or principal in the research.  This is different from traditional research because the administrator actively participates in the research.  Since the administrator is involved in the process, the research is more likely to be personalized to the school.  The results from the research are directly applicable to the school or district in which the study was completed.  Action research is also an important tool for change.  If there is something that needs to change, the administrator is more likely to implement that change if they were involved in the process of completing the research.

Action research also offers the researcher opportunities to expand on their original question.  After reflecting on the results, the administrator can take action and then follow up with additional questions that arise because of the research.  This allows for further development of the research.

   

 I believe that an action research study would be extremely beneficial in addressing issues that schools face.  An administrator can actively guide the research to be tailored to their particular campus and students.  The results of the research can show how widespread the problem is at their school.  The administrator can then take action to correct the problem based on data.

How Educational Leaders Might use Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs in many ways.  First, blogging allows the teacher to communicate with parents, administrators, and the community.  If you have a class blog, you can tell about them about exciting learning going on in your class.  Students can post to the blog sharing their experiences as well.  Secondly, blogging can increase collaboration between colleagues.  The administrator or teacher can post projects to share with others or results of action research.  Collaborators can comment on blog posts providing feedback. 

What I learned about myself from this course

I learned many things from this course. First, I learned a few things about myself.  I thought there was some technology that was too advanced for me.  I was comfortable with what I knew and didn’t want to attempt something new.  Now that I was motivated to create things like a website and a blog, I found that I was capable of learning and succeeding in a Technology course.  I found that I am a very structured person.  I don’t like it when I post something on my website and it doesn’t look exactly the same as before.  I was really annoyed with the discussion board and when I went to indent a new paragraph, it just skipped a line and wouldn’t indent.  I learned that I am reliable and always strive to follow the rules.  I can have fun with my friends, but I am serious with my duties.  When asked to do something, I enjoy step-by-step instructions and dislike when I have to wing it.

Course Assignments Success

I was extremely successful in carrying out the course assignments.  I was either the first or second person to post on the discussion board every week.  During most of the week’s discussions, I had to wait until Wednesday for two other people to post so I could respond to their quotes.  If I had a question, I emailed for help and got the problem taken care of.  I did not feel like this course was difficult.  The hardest part was taking the time to sit, read, write, and complete the assignments.  The assignments were long and in depth and took more than an afternoon to finish.   I successfully managed my time by planning opportunities in the week to work on my course.  One challenge as we move forward is finding the time to dedicate to the internship while working full time at school.  Teachers put in much more that forty hours each with.  They are constantly grading papers and creating assignments.  I hope that I will be able to succeed without overworking myself.

Outcomes not Achieved

I did not feel that I didn’t achieve any outcomes.  I completed each assignment in the correct manner and in the correct time.  I was able to learn about why technology was so important in our society and in our classroom.  Looking back on the areas that I was not confident it, I am now capable.  One concern that I have will be how to keep up on the course work now that school is in session.  I have been in training all week and have a lot on my plate. How will I successfully complete the 18 month internship program, integrate technology, and successfully teach?  Will I be able to lesson plan, grade papers, and create fun and engaging lessons?  Now that I understand more technology, I find myself struggling with the time it takes to create a technology integrated lesson.  It is very easy to fall in the rhythm of worksheets and book work because all the material is available and ready.

Course Outcomes Relevancy

I believe that the extent that I achieved my outcomes is quite relevant to the work that I will do in my classroom.  First of all, subscribing to the technology and education RSS news feeds will help cut down on research time when I am looking for updates it the education field.  Also, now that I am capable of creating and maintaining a website, I can set up a class website.  I envision posting my PowerPoint presentations, notes, homework assignments, and class information on my site.  Parents and students can access the site for information.  We could also have a class blog.  Each student would be responsible for responding to the question prompt just like a journal.  This would integrate technology and writing skills.  Wordle can be used at the beginning of the year to show the students the main ideas in each subject.  Students could also use Animoto to make presentations on countries in World Geography.  

Course Outcomes Reflection

This course was a good introduction to technology leadership.  Going into the first week, I expected to learn how to create and manage several online applications including websites and blogs.  I was slightly confused on what the 18-month internship entailed.  I did not quite understand things like a discussion board and submitting online assignments.  I was somewhat nervous about the whole process.  My web skills were not the greatest and I wanted to improve those with my masters.  The course helped me gain an understanding of what it meant to teach technology and the importance of using technology in the classroom. I was please with the assignments that allowed me to create both of those features and I found that they were not as difficult as I had envisioned.  I also appreciated learning about tools like Animoto and Wordle.  My course outcomes closely aligned with what I had envisioned for the course.