EDLD 5363 Web Conference Reflections

In this video technology course it was probably the class that I have looked forward to the most. At the beginning most of the material and expectations were kind of vague so reviewing the web conferences allowed me to take my time in watching the recording and getting the most information possible for this course. I would actually review every web conference when the link was provided to allow me to gain insight as to what was expected of us in our assignments. Week 1 and 2 were challenging in the fact that I had never created a podcast before but I welcomed the challenge of learning and it wasn't as hard as I had anticipated. Week 3 was scary because I didn't know what to expect and how I was going to collaborate with people that I have never met or even spoken to. I joined the most amazing group and we all worked very well together. We collaborated utilizing Google Docs and email to communicate our thoughts and input throughout the entire project. Our final project was a major success and am fortunate to have had the chance to work with such organized, creative and intelligent individuals.

Personal Digital Story-EDLD 5363

I have been teaching Technology Integration for almost seven years already and one of my lessons is for students to utilize Photo Story 3 to create a project. Teaching how to use this program and utilizing it for other classroom use is one thing, but I found myself in a unique situation by creating one on myself. I was a little nervous and I found myself editing over and over again to get it just right. Definitely a cool experience to be on the learning end this time.  Please check out my video, enjoy! 

Sharing the Action Research Plan, Progress, Findings and Recommendations

Sharing the progress of my action research project will be presented in a variety of ways depending on the audience. My statistics and research findings will be quite informal when meeting with the Technology Director and my site supervisor. This will be communicated via email or formal conversations during meetings. I will share my blog with SBDM members, so that they may follow the progress of the project. When presenting formally to the superintendent  my findings will be represented in a formatted research presentation including statistics and data collected. When including teachers in on the progress of the plans proposed, this will be done via email and PLT meetings. This plan will never be final, because the findings and plans for ongoing professional development will ever be changing to conform to the variety of technology resources, settings, budgetary constraints and limitations on time frames.

Steps to Follow in an Action Research Plan

1.      SETTING THE FOUNDATION – Technology integration needs to be implemented in a more effective and simplistic way. Professional development must be at the forefront if the initiative is to take shape and ultimately be effective. 2.      ANALYZING DATA – Using a variety of literary reviews, research and the collection of our own surveys and assessments will provide a clearer picture of how to go about planning and implementing this project. 3.      DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING – Analyze the data from the teacher STaR Chart surveys, the technology use survey and a technology knowledge assessment. Organize all areas of need from greatest and most important, and then plan where the professional development should start. 4.      ENGAGING IN SELF REFLECTION – How will this action research ultimately be received by teachers? How will I receive the support and budget necessary to fulfill this project? What if teachers feel overwhelmed and express concerns about not wanting to complete this type of plan? Will I be able to address their concerns and persuade them to buy into my visionary plan? 5.      EXPOLORING PATTERNS – The need for a set plan with goals, assessments and support even after the time frame is vital to the implementation for the plan without abandoning it midway through. Often times new programs or initiatives are started without a long range plan in place to provide support to carry it through in order to create effectiveness. 6.      DETERMINING DIRECTION – The need to work closely with the stakeholders involved is critical in order for the plan to be implemented correctly.                   7.      TAKING ACTION - Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template Goal: To improve technology integration into the curriculum and provide adequate meaningful training for implementing technology in the classroom.          Action                 Person(s)            Timeline:            Needed       Step(s)               Responsible         Start/End         Resources         Evaluation 1. Assess teacher’s knowledge in the area of technology with a survey and assessment, plus data gathered from the STaR Chart survey. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Survey maker. Assessment creator. Budgeting for professional development. Allocating funds for technology resources. May of 2013 May of 2014 2. Creating a professional development plan based on the survey/assessment based on the results in the area of greater need. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Budgeting for professional development. Allocating funds for professional development. Software/server upgrades for resource storage and easy accessibility. May of 2013 May of 2014 3. Classroom/lab support in the implementation of the integration of technology resources. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Proposal for a computer lab aid to assist with teacher’s use of campus computer lab and programs. Budgeting for a computer lab aid. Budgeting for the increase of campus bandwidth to accommodate the increase of technology equipment and various resources. May 2013 May 2014                8.      SUSTAINING IMPROVEMENT – The need for the development of a cohesive plan for technology integration is vital in today’s education. The effectiveness of this plan depends on the ongoing efforts of communication, collaboration and obtaining the necessary resources to ensure its legitimacy.

Developing an Action Research Plan

Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template Goal: To improve technology integration into the curriculum and provide adequate meaningful training for implementing technology in the classroom.          Action                 Person(s)            Timeline:            Needed       Step(s)               Responsible         Start/End         Resources         Evaluation 1. Assess teacher’s knowledge in the area of technology with a survey and assessment, plus data gathered from the STaR Chart survey. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Survey maker. Assessment creator. Budgeting for professional development. Allocating funds for technology resources. May of 2013 May of 2014 2. Creating a professional development plan based on the survey/assessment based on the results in the area of greater need. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Budgeting for professional development. Allocating funds for professional development. Software/server upgrades for resource storage and easy accessibility. May of 2013 May of 2014 3. Classroom/lab support in the implementation of the integration of technology resources. Alice Ramos-Technology Director Mayela Sanchez-Principal Elenor Maldonado-Technology Teacher SBDM Members Start November 2012/End May 2014 Proposal for a computer lab aid to assist with teacher’s use of campus computer lab and programs. Budgeting for a computer lab aid. Budgeting for the increase of campus bandwidth to accommodate the increase of technology equipment and various resources. May 2013 May 2014

Action Research Question

In what ways can the integration of technology impact student learning while correlating with our state’s standards and assessments? In order to integrate technology seamlessly, a professional development plan must be created in order to improve the teacher’s role in facilitating lessons. How can the professional development be implemented effectively to involve the whole campus and indefinitely change the way technology is used in the classroom?

Reflections from Week 2 EDLD 5301

In week two I have learned that in the Educational setting, action research is of utmost importance. Just by watching the interviews all professionals basically stated that data needs to be the center of any changes that need to occur in the classroom to impact student learning. The comment that really struck me was Dr. Chargois stating that the old saying of "If I just get through to just one student, then I have done my job" is simply not enough in education these days. We have to impact all students!