EDLD 5301 Week 5 Reflection

Prior to taking this course, I had not the faintest idea what an action research entails, even though I was aware of the term. The books, lectures, blogs, and discussion forums have been particularly helpful during the entire duration of the course and in my current action research on teachers willingness to integrate Web 2.0 technologies into curricula once they’ve seen how Web 2.0 technologies fulfill school and classroom management needs. I feel like I have gained insight into the research process as a whole and expect the daily data that I collect and examine, on a variety of topics, to inform my decisions in new lights as I consider the context and reliability of the data.

The addition of the blog and wiki with links to all the action research blogs has proven to be very useful and helpful in this effort. The discussion boards for this course also contribute to the exchange of relevant ideas. It also helped that the discussion prompts were of a reflective nature and did not involve the regurgitation of text from different sources which, while helpful in gaining a deeper connection with our resources, does not really contribute to our own action research as much as the prompts have done.

The two books we used, “Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher” by Nancy Dana Fichtman and “Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action” by Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie Combs both contain a wealth of information on everything about conducting action research. One thing that stood out for me was the “CARE Model Planning Tool.” This tool, wherein CARE is an acronym for Concerns, Affirmation, Recommendations, and Evaluations, provides a clear and usable framework for planning for school improvement (Dana, 2009).

I have found this course to be helpful and relevant to my professional career, and one that has certainly enriched my professional life.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher.   

               Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

EDLD 5301 Week 5 Reflection

I appreciate the fact that we students got a working definition of action research in the first week’s readings. According to the Dana text, “… administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry” (Dana, 2009). Harris, Edmonson, and Combs also add, “Inquiry is investigating in a systematic way. Inquiry is examining data, asking questions, and requesting more information” (Harris, 2010).

I relish the fact that the researcher is not working in isolation. Through blog posts, team collaboration, and writing published in professional journals, the principal or teacher practicing action research establishes a network of colleagues that serve as a sounding board when problems arise. Further, researchers are exposed to continual learning, which is vital to the success of any school administrator or teacher, thanks to the ongoing and collaborative properties of action research. “What,” one may ask, “is the advantage of such a system?” The answer is simple: No one understands the problems and complexities of a particular school better than someone working in it. Therefore, an action researcher from that school has a greater chance of enacting meaningful change than an outside researcher who lacks sophisticated knowledge of a particular school.

I look forward to carrying the knowledge and skills gained in EDLD 5301 with me through my career. Lessons learned here will not soon be forgotten.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge, the principal as action researcher. Corwin     

         Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools, 8 steps 

         from analysis to action.

Action Research Plan

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIME LINE	Benchmarks/ ASSESSMENT	Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments
Teachers are encouraged to use Google Docs as a tool to create, store, and share team housekeeping notes with colleagues and the school office.	Teachers will create a Google account and be schooled on how to create and share online documents.	1. PowerPoint presentation highlighting the steps to create and share online documents and spreadsheets. 2. School computer lab.	Tiffany Burch	August 2012	I will conduct individual teacher interviews about two weeks after training to monitor if and/or how teachers are using Google Docs. I will also maintain a wiki where teachers can ask questions and offer helpful tips about Google Docs.
Once teachers become accustomed to using Google Docs, I will train them on integrating Google Docs into student centered lessons.	Teachers will be given ideas on how Google Docs may be used as a collaborative tool for online projects and class discussions.	1. PowerPoint presentation highlighting how Google Docs may be used as a collaborative tool for online projects and class discussions. 2. School computer lab.	Tiffany Burch	September 2012	I will conduct individual teacher interviews about two weeks after training to monitor if and/or how teachers are using Google Docs. I will also maintain a wiki where teachers can ask questions and offer helpful tips about Google Docs.
Teachers use blogs as a tool for professional enrichment.	Teachers will be trained on how to submit comments to a blog and how to review, publish, and/or delete reader comments on their own blog.	1. PowerPoint outlining the definition of a blog and the steps to create and maintain a blog. 2. School computer lab.	Tiffany Burch	October 2012	I will conduct individual teacher interviews about two weeks after training to monitor if and/or how teachers are using blogs. I will also maintain a wiki where teachers can ask questions and offer helpful tips about blogging.
Teachers will use blogs as a platform for online discussions with students.	Teachers are trained on how blogs can be utilized for online discussions with students. Special emphasis will be given to posting guidelines, topics for discussion, and proper netiquette.	1. PowerPoint detailing posting guidelines, topics for discussion, and proper netiquette. 2. School computer lab.	Tiffany Burch	November 2012	I will conduct individual teacher interviews about two weeks after training to monitor if and/or how teachers are using blogs. I will also maintain a wiki where teachers can ask questions and offer helpful tips about blogging.
I will analyze project data and disseminate the findings.	Data from interviews, wiki blog postings, and teacher surveys offered during professional development exercises will be analyzed. Results will be posted on my blog. Further, I will make arrangements to present my findings to faculty and central office administration.	I will need notes collected over the course of the semester.	Tiffany Burch	I will analyze data and publish the findings on my blog early January.	Not applicable in this step.

EDLD 5301 Week 3 Reflection

Much of what I've learned in EDLD 5301 Week 3 centers around the dissemination of my action research project when it is complete.

Blog posts will be an ongoing effort during the project's research phase. Currently, I'm in the process of tweaking the background analysis that begins the examination. I'm nailing down reports and articles that address the successes and failures of technology professional development. This step is critical, as it will provide insight into the victories and defeats of earlier technology professional development studies. In addition, the blog provides the perfect place for reflection. I can post my thoughts about the project and receive feedback from classmates.

A draft of my action research plan appears below. As I delve deeper into the link between how Web 2.0 technologies are introduced to teachers and teacher willingness to incorporate those technologies into curricula, my plan will have to be adjusted.

Concluding thoughts and recommendations will first appear here in mid-December. During Christmas break, I will prepare a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the project background, procedures, data analysis, and recommendations. The PowerPoint would be used in a later faculty meeting where central-office administration would be present.

EDLD 5301: Week 2 Reflection

The three interviews we watched during week two gave me insight into the importance of action inquiry and how they may benefit both the students and myself. I have tried to apply their wisdom to my own research plan to ensure I will learn from the inquiry and students may show success in their learning.

Both textbooks had an abundance of information regarding action research and the steps to affect change on campus. From Mrs. Dana, I have come to understand the meaning of action inquiry and how it helps one to grow professionally.

I had never previously sat down to consider how some of the things that are seen by teachers on a daily basis could affect the campus as a whole and also the community. As I worked on the assignment, I was able to reflect on my current campus and identify several areas that require additional attention.