Update to Action Research Plan via EDLD 5326

I realized that my Action Research project was too involved some time ago. My goal is still to access students’ technological needs, however, my questioning was too broad to get a good data analysis of the situation. With collaboration with my principal, we decided to narrow the questioning to specifically include, “What is the effectiveness of the uses of computers, computer software and/or tools to improve performance in school; specifically with the ENO interactive whiteboard and student response remotes?

So far, my research has shown me that the ENO interactive whiteboard is the most innovative and flexible tool available that will allow collaboration among teachers and students and transform every lesson into a dynamic learning experience.  The whiteboard, student response remotes and software that comes with it allows immediate student response feedback which is crucial for data analysis. The time saved in teachers collecting data independently is priceless.

Due to a grant that I wrote and received for my classroom and that of another teacher, I have been experiencing the rewards of the ENO whiteboard. Student engagement rose drastically, student responses are taken immediately with their remotes so data is collected, stored and monitored immediately as well, and my stress level has lessened due to the lack of time required planning and making copies of certain lesson plans that I now can do with a click of a button.

In summary, I will need more time to ascertain the effectiveness of the whiteboard for a longer period of time (once the new wears off) to be sure that overall the technology equipment is worth the investment of money and time. So far, my research has shown that it is well worth it!

Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan Don't you love technology?!!
Goal: Evaluate Technological Needs in the Classroom
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
What is the cost and ratio per student for every computer available in the school and classroom?	Lisa Shelton, Graduate Student @ Lamar University – Request to Mr. Randy Rodgers, SISD District Tech Director	November 4, 2012 to complete this class & February 2014 for completion of the Action Research Project and this program	Internet research, discussions with district personnel	Compare and analyze data from area schools regarding cost and ratio of computers to students in school & self reflection
What is the districts’ goal of improving innovative technological advances for teachers and students?	Lisa Shelton, Graduate Student @ Lamar University – Request to Mr. Randy Rodgers, SISD District Tech Director and District Website	November 4, 2012 to complete this class & February 2014 for completion of the Action Research Project and this program	Internet research, discussions district personnel	Collaboration efforts with district personnel and past data on the improvement of computers in our schools & self reflection
Are factors such as attendance, failure rates, STAAR scores, and graduation rates positively affected by student accessibility of computers and/or computer software, tools in the classroom?	Lisa Shelton, Graduate Student @ Lamar University – Request to Principals: Dr. Ramirez & Mrs. Guerra	November 4, 2012 to complete this class & February 2014 for completion of the Action Research Project and this program	Discussions with principals, attendance clerks, technology teachers, district personnel	Collaboration with principals and data analysis on the effectiveness and uses of computers, computer software and/or tools to improve overall performance in school & self -reflection.
How are the teacher’s needs met with Professional Development of technological software and tools?	Lisa Shelton, Graduate Student @ Lamar University – Request to Principals: Dr. Ramirez & Mrs. Guerra & Randy Rodgers, SISD District Tech Director and District Website	November 4, 2012 to complete this class & February 2014 for completion of the Action Research Project and this program	Survey of teachers and discussions with district personnel	Collaboration with teachers at my campus and possibility of all campuses (upon approval) to assess needs of computers, computer software and tools to provide engaging learning that will reach students’ highest evaluation of knowledge.

Action Research - Week 2 - Thoughts?!?!

The process was long in reviewing the interviews, meeting with my principal on my action research project, reading the articles, identifying nine areas of concern within our school, etc.  BUT, I am seeing it all come together. Action Research is a crucial and powerful professional development strategy for teachers and administrators. I get it! What I learned from the pros is:

1) I like Dr. Briseno’s philosophy that you do not have to “reinvent the wheel” every time you have a problem.  His simplistic view is encouraging.  I like the idea of sharing with others and finding out what they are doing that is successful.  I also like analyzing data but the statistics do not always tell the whole story.  Dr. Briseno makes it clear that he thinks it is important that his school get to know their kids and become involved in their lives.

2) Dr. Lewis was very practical and effective in his use of action research.  It was interesting to see how a large district such as Pasadena ISD constantly used action research to evaluate data and train its teachers.  As I learn more about action research I can see how effective it can be and how necessary it is for a school’s administration to use action research.  Education and our communities are changing so rapidly that schools must be able to use data effectively and evaluate its usefulness.

In my research of action research (lol), I found the following website I think you guys might like to read. Enjoy! http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=12826

 

Leadership using Blogs

There are many ways leaders can use Action Research in the school setting.  From my reading, I learned that: 1) Action research brings principals out of isolation, 2) Action research enables principals to become role models for the teachers and students in their buildings, 3) Action research helps principals slow down and take control, 4) Action research focuses and strengthens school improvement efforts, and, 5) Action research enables best practice to flourish at a school.


Participating in action research lets principals take charge of something they can own and control. Action research is a powerful, underutilized tool principals can use to cultivate their craft and improve school performance. I look forward to reading other blogs and discussions on this topic.

Analysis on Action Research

I have learned that Action Research is a thorough evaluation of a person's or organization's actions, methodology, policies, and thought processes.  As a teacher, I have been engaged in informal action research.  Everyday I try to reflect on the lesson plan I created and then determine the effectiveness.  I was not aware of the phrase "action research" until recently when I began this class but I can say that I have been informally engaged in action research.  Action research is teaching me that I need to reflect more and then scientifically evaluate my findings.  It is not good enough to just think about it and then try something different.  Leadership and decision making in administrative positions is much like this.  Each decision you make will be scrutinized by everyone involved and you will be held accountable for each decision.  Every action you take will be met with criticism if you are not successful.  Action research should be a tool that leaders use to measure the effectiveness of their leadership and organizational policies and procedures. I can see that our school district is making a greater effort to involve teachers in Action Research. So many teachers are just waiting to be invited to participate in research studies in which they examine students' preconceptions, or effective teaching strategies. It is through joint research studies that science instruction in the schools will improve, and we need to make a great effort in this regard.