Whoo hoo! Made it to Week 5, Reflection

When starting this class, I was unsure of what action research consisted of and really thought it was a simple research class. However, I learned within the first week that there were many differences and how action research is used, one specific difference is stated in one of the text included for the class, “focused on providing insight into an administrator’s own practice in an effort to make change and improve the school” (Dana p. 7). After I understood what action research I was able to understand the lectures more, because at first I felt lost and overwhelmed. I also realized I was taking part of action research on a daily basis at my school campus and did not know it, because professional learning communities are considered one type of action research. “By their own nature, then, PLCs enhance the possibilities for conducting an inquiry and cultivating a community of inquirers” (Dana 22). On my campus, we meet in these types of meetings each week, they may be called something else, but it still has the same purpose. The readings overall have helped me the most, because in both texts there were specific examples given, which allowed me to understand more for each topic we discussed. Along with the assignments, I was able to read the information and then apply it to answering the questions on the assignment sheet. These assignments gave me time to reflect on what I read and retain the information. Although I have learned a great deal and all the information has been a lot of help, I still had some challenges including time. This class began on the first day back to work and it was a little overwhelming. I felt as though there wasn’t enough time in the day to complete all the expectations at work, including lesson plans and weekly meetings, then I had the action research project when I got home at night. Although I was asking questions to my site mentors and having in-depth conversations of how my research project would and will help the school and classrooms over time. Which motivated me to continue and take it one step at a time. Once I discovered exactly what my research would cover, and I had a grasp on how to actually implement this research in my school, it became a little more manageable because I understood what needed to take place to get this research project started at my school. Another challenge was relying on others to help provide information, because with my subject I teach I do not need to rely on others much, so that was difficult in the beginning. As time went on though it became a little easier because my technology site mentor was able to provide good information and help me decide what would work best and the challenges we faced. We were also able to look into the future of where we expected this project to be handled and expanded. While there were challenges, I think the blog helped, because everyone in the class was able to view others plans and get an idea of what others were doing and going about their research. I think sharing is important, because everyone enrolled in the class could help each other through and I know I work best with viewing specific examples and although each topic was different it was still helpful to be able to see if I had applied the correct data to specific areas. I look forward to being able to complete this action research and hopefully see the students achieve more with the software we are implementing in computer classes.

Action Research Week three dizzying!

So week three was a little overwhelming to me, I am not sure if it was the fact of things at school, work, are going crazy and I just feel like I can't keep up. Originally I had emailed asking to utilize my 48 hour extension, however I really worked last weekend and got it done! I was proud to say I didn't need to use the extra time. I just hope this week isn't such a conundrum!
As far as my research project, I am interested to see if our principal will be willing to implement this program in all computer classes. It's not so much that I don't understand the purpose of the project or what I am suppose to be doing, I think it's putting it all together and time management. I am ready to see the outcome and work with teachers at my school to start using LanSchool.

Week 3 - Action Planning Draft!

Action Research Question:

How do teachers use technology that can limit student web destinations, allow teachers to monitor progress and class management, and to address questions in a crowded environment?

Action Planning Template
Goal: Help teachers with classroom management in a larger computer classroom and help students achieve a better understanding with direct interaction with the teacher To use common available technology to produce student engagement and stop distractions in an enlarged computer classroom setting
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Examine the work: Setting the Foundation: Collaborate with technology mentor to understand where we would like to be by the end of the year	Myself, Teacher, IT Specialist	Beginning research, allow one week	Software, computers and test class	Evaluate if the software is installed on all computers and working along with teacher computer
Analyzing Data: With a 30-day trial in one or two classes, allow teacher and students to use all the features of the program to determine if achievement is being made in the class.	Teacher	30-day Trial	Computers, software	Teacher evaluates the use of interacting with students through the program
Developing Deeper Understanding: Along with the data provided from the teacher in the test class, I will use research from other schools and districts that are using LanSchool and ask what worked and what did not. I will also use data provided by LanSchool of complaints and how were it was handled and corrected.	Myself, IT Specialist, Teacher, Other districts, LanSchool data	After the 30-day class trial, until I get the information needed	Software Company, Other districts, reports, data including what worked and what did not	Evaluate what strategies other educators using this program has encountered, whether good or bad.
Engaging in Self Reflection: During this process I have spoke with many individuals in my school that would like to see this software/program implemented. By collaborating with my technology mentor, he has helped guide how we can get this into our computers classrooms to begin using, but there are a few questions.	Myself	Ongoing through research project	Myself, technology mentor, teacher	Evaluate if the right information is being researched and if anything needs to be improved and how to make it more effective.
Exploring Pragmatic Patterns: During this time in the research, I will need to sit down with the teacher of the trial class to determine if the software/program was effective in engaging students and helping with classroom management.	Teacher, Myself	One week after 30-day trial ends.	Teacher will show student work, quizzes, questions and surveys given during the trial and after.	This data allow the committee to see actual work from students within the trial class and what they answered on their surveys of what they thought was helpful as a student and what could be improved.
Determining Direction: At this point, the committee would determine if LanSchool is something that is right for our school and present it to the principal to purchase it for all other computer classes.	Teacher and Principal, myself	One week	Data collected over the 30-day trial, student work, research from LanSchool and other districts’ information regarding the program.	Hopefully by this time we will be able to evaluate how many computers we are purchasing for and how long it will take to install.
Taking action for school improvement. Having CTE teachers in a training to explain the software and through professional development allow them to practice with each other before using it with students in a classroom setting	CTE Teachers, IT Department	Allow two weeks for teachers to understand all the features	Software, click-sheets for teachers to follow. Software	Teacher who participated in the 30-day will present to peers with It Department.
Sustain Improvement: Once the software has been in use for two or three years and offers more data on student/teacher achievement we will be able to share with other schools in the district or outside to show how effective or not effective the software is within the computer class setting.	Teacher, Principal, Administration Staff.	Start: Following School Year.	Professional Development	Allow teachers using the software to continue ongoing training when it’s available to stay up on the changing of the software and new features.

Week two and the learning continues!

In week two I had the opportunity to view three interviews from different leaders in the education field. Listening to each of these leaders helped me have a better understanding of what kind of research can be conducted and hearing suggestions from those that have already conducted an action research plan. Dr. Lewis encouraged future leaders to make sure the research is practical because the information will be more interesting, the researcher will be more focused on the outcome and students on the leader's campus will benefit more if the research being sought is practical.
I plan to make sure to follow these suggestions while I am conducting my research.