Action Research Findings and Implementation

Action Research: What I have learned and how I can use it:

Action research projects are very useful in the educational setting in particular. This is an inquiry into a wondering, analyzing the inquiry and then implementing change based on what was learned throughout the research. My plan is to use the action research project as a means to research the area of technology integration into the curriculum and providing training for teachers. There is a myriad of technological resources out there for teachers and students to use in the classroom. However, there rarely seems to be a set curriculum that integrates web 2.0 tools, videos, pictures, and other applications directly into each lesson. These days it is so hard to find the time to learn a particular curriculum with the standards plus search around for the proper technology tool or resource to assist with the facilitation of the lesson. Training is also crucial in the learning of all types of resources and implementing them properly in order to assist the teacher, not overwhelm them. New training options need to be explored for teachers and other professionals within the district in order to be successful in the classroom. If there can be a centralized program where you can input the lesson, then technology resources could be matched with the lesson in order to reduce time and preparation for the teachers. My focus will also be to create more online technology videos for teachers on learning certain programs to reduce time spent in trying to put together face to face staff development. Teachers have less and less time to spend in meetings, so making it flexible for them to complete courses for learning on their time would be more convenient.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs:

There are many ways to use blogs in an educational setting, but one that stands out the most is communication. Often times administrators receive and send out so many emails in just one day. Teachers are usually too busy to check email often throughout the day and may miss certain announcements that are urgent. Then everyone is confused and asking one another about what is going on or when is something due, and there could be a lot of miss communication. A campus leader could set aside a part of the day that is required of teachers to log in and participate in a blog. This way all teachers see what others are writing and communicating about and nothing will be missed. Important information can be posted and simply just asking how everyone if doing. Words of encouragement would really go a long way to improve moral as well. Often times there just aren't enough hours in the day to go by and speak to each and every one of your teachers just to see how things are going, and staff meetings have too much packed into them to have these types of conversation. I am going to make a recommendation to my principal to start blogging with our teachers.