Personal Digital Story

Reflections on My Time in EDLD 5301 Action Research

Photo by Kevan Davis

Course EDLD 5301 included constant self reflection to become a better teacher and prepare to become a better administrator.  The Action Research Plan helped focus that reflection into a living document that can be shared with others so that they also may benefit from it.

The lectures from Arterbury and Jenkins made use of the ability to share information regardless of who is teaching the class and what time the interviews took place.  It was good to get more points of view with the interviews from Briseno, Chargois, and Lewis.  More of these would have been helpful.  It also would have been helpful to have an interview with the professor of the course, Dr. Abshire.  An introduction to the course or her introducing herself with her expectations at a very minimum would have been greatly appreciated.

The Harris text was a particularly useful book for Applied Research.  It offered practical applications and real-world examples of what Action Research should be and how to successfully create an Action Research Project.  The Dana text was another useful resource as the Action Research Project was being created.

Most of the assignments could be summarized in one word – summarize.  It seemed as if all I was doing was summarizing what was read week after week.  I found week three's assignment particularly confusing.  It would have been very helpful to have a template included in the assignment instead of having to get it from the resources section of the website.  I had to email the TA several times just to be sure I was completing the assignment as expected.  I found week three's assignment very confusing and extremely frustrating because of the lack of information.

The Discussion Boards were light for this course.  I tried to make my original post by Thursday so that I would receive feedback, but it was not forthcoming.  I found that most people ended up posting on Sunday, therefore it was difficult to make the required two comments on others' posts difficult.

To get an idea for this assignment I searched the Internet for ideas on this summary.  I was disheartened to find several bloggers that express some of the same concerns I have and they have yet to be addressed.  Brooke Hughes made the comment on Cordelia's Action Research Blog: EDLD 5301 End of Course Reflections, “Dr. Abshire could have been providing us with far more useful information on the weekly assignments as well as maybe narrowed questions and concerns that took up a lot of time during the web conferences.”  It worries me that if nothing has been done to address these issues in this class, what are the classes going to be like for the rest of my program?  Do the student surveys we take at the end of the course really looked at?  Are any changes being made to improve the program?  This is especially scary considering this course is named Action Research and it has been stressed that things will change throughout our Action Research and we should embrace the change for the better.

In conclusion, Action Research is a wonderful method to use to improve one's own practice as an administrator or a teacher.  It has the power to positively effect every student on a campus and possibly even a district when done correctly.  I am looking forward to my own Action Research of Awesomeness.  However I think that this course could benefit from some of its' own teachings.  I would like to see the powers that be turn this course into an Action Research project of its' own so that future students may benefit even more from seeing seeing how it can be effectively implemented in a course in which they are students.

References Follow

Modified Action Plan

First I would like to thank all of you who made input regarding the first draft of this Action Research Plan.  It is a much better plan now thanks to all of your recommendations and comments.  Secondly, if you think of any other suggestions, please post a comment with your suggestions.  They really are very helpful.  Now, onto the Plan!


Action Plan

Analyzing data – Data will be gathered by giving surveys to students about how much they feel like they are engaged in the lessons during a typical day. Teachers will be given ISTE's NET-T as a pre-test and after all the training has been completed near the end of the year as a post-test.

Developing deeper understanding – A Technology Leadership Team will be formed and will continually offer ideas for additional training and ways the training can be improved throughout the program. Additionally, surveys will be completed at the end of each training session to evaluate how effective that particular training was.

Engaging in Self-Reflection – I will continue to work on my leadership weaknesses throughout this research.

Exploring Programmatic Patterns – The Technology Leadership Team will look at identifying data patterns, gaps, and will seek ways to address equity issues.

Determining direction – The technology Leadership Team will work collaboratively to address action research questions, monitoring progress, and assessing achievement.

Taking action for school improvement – Mini-lessons will be held throughout the school year on various technology topics including technology available on the campus and web 2.0 tools. The topics of the mini-lessons will be guided by the Technology Leadership Team who will take suggestions from all staff.  The covered tool will be expected to be used in a class lesson within the following two weeks.

Sustaining improvement – The mini-lessons will continue year after year to address new and emerging technologies. We will also use them as refresher courses to others and give opportunities for other teachers to teach the lessons.


The timeline and other details:

Action Steps	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Form a Technology Leadership Team (TLT)	Kubala	Start: 11/01/12 End: 11/05/12	People	3 – 5 People who are interested in helping other staff learn more about technology.
2. Survey Staff using ISTE's NET-T plus additional questions created by the TLT	Technology Leadership Team (TLT), All Staff on Campus	11/05/12 11/15/12	ISTE's NET-T	Goal of 75% of staff returns completed survey
3. Evaluate Survey, Set Goals for Technology Use	TLT	11/15/12 12/07/12	Completed Surveys	Set no more than 3 goals for campus technology use
4. TLT will meet to plan implementation of mini-lessons during January.	TLT	11/15/12 12/14/12		Plan at least 3 mini-lessons for the month of January
5. TLT gives at least 3 mini-lessons each month	TLT	01/07/13 05/10/13	TLT	Surveys will be handed out at the end of each mini-lesson to determine the effectiveness of that particular lesson.  A lesson plan using the tool will be expected to be created by the teacher within two weeks following the training.
6. TLT will meet at least once per month to determine upcoming lessons for the month	TLT	01/07/13 04/10/13	TLT and surveys from each mini-lesson	Have plans setup for the next month
7. Survey Staff using ISTE's NET-T plus additional questions created by the TLT	Kubala	05/10/13 05/24/13	TLT and completed ISTE's NET-T
8. Review Results of all Surveys and plan for the following year	TLT	05/10/13 06/01/13	TLT	Have a plan in place for next school year with improvements in place from lessons learned this school year.
9. Report Findings	Kubala	07/01/13	Information gathered from TLT	Share data with Site Coordinator, Staff, District, and all interested parties.

I Do CARE!

Picture By USAID Afghanistan

In Action Research there are many models and methods to evaluate the forward movement of the project.  The CARE Model is one way to evaluate what needs to be improved but also keeps in sight those things that are currently being done well. CARE stands for Concerns, Affirmations, Recommendations, and Evaluations. Concerns are what a person would like to improve. Affirmations are what should not change at the school, it is what is being done well. Recommendations are the how the Concerns are going to be addressed. Evaluations are how all of the progress is going to be measured. The CARE model will be of great use in my Action Research plan. This plan appeals to me personally because of the Affirmations. It is important to keep in mind that we are doing many things right. We should not lose sight of that when starting to make improvements.


Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)
(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Students need to know how to use the technology used in College and the Workforce.
2. Teachers need to know how to help students learn how to use the technology.
3. Teachers need help in becoming comfortable with technology and how to use it in their lessons.

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)
(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Most teachers are concerned about what is best for the students.
2. Staff members are very supportive of each other.
3. There is an environment of looking for the good in students.

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)
(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1. Mini-lessons (30 to 60 min) will be offered after school once a week on how to implement technology and web 2.0 tools into teacher's lessons.
2. Mini-lessons will be limited to one tool at a time.
3. The covered tool will be expected to be used in a class lesson within the following two weeks.

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often
(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Surveys on the mini-lessons will be available after each mini-lesson.
2. Pre and Post ISTE-T test will help determine if teachers know more about how to utilize technology in their classrooms by the end of the year.



Thank you for taking the time to read this post.  It would be of great benefit to my project if you took just a moment more and made a comment.  Thank you!

(Un)Foreseen Challenges

Photo by Anthony Doudt

As I contemplate on my Action Research, I find myself thinking about everything that could go wrong.  I know this is not the best utilization of my brain power.  After all, I do consider myself a pretty good positive thinker.  However, I think this may be a good exercise to undertake so that I can at least try to be prepared for those things which I think might be most challenging.

• It may be difficult to find three to five people at my campus who will be willing to be part of the Technology Leadership Team (TLT).
• Mini-lessons will be offered.  Scheduling after school may prove to be difficult.  Our campus has K-12.  K-8's end of the day is at 2:50 while 9-12's end of the day is at 3:45.
•  Days of the week may be difficult to schedule for the mini-lessons also because of the myriad of commitments families have.
• Attendance will not be mandatory and therefore may be low.
• Frustration at having to learn new ways of doing things may be high.
• Frustration at slower learners from those people who already know the tools may be high.

These are just some of the challenges that I can foresee.  I know many more challenges will poke their heads out at me while I am in the middle of this process.

What suggestions do you have to minimize these challenges?  Are there any challenges that I am missing?  All (constructive) comments are welcome!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Here's the Plan. . .Part 2

And now for the timeline to make it all happen. . .

Action Steps	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Form a Technology Leadership Team (TLT)	Kubala	Start: 11/01/12 End: 11/05/12	People	3 – 5 People who are interested in helping other staff learn more about technology.
2. Survey Staff using ISTE's NET-T plus additional questions created by the TLT	Technology Leadership Team (TLT), All Staff on Campus	11/05/12 11/15/12	ISTE's NET-T	Goal of 75% of staff returns completed survey
3. Evaluate Survey, Set Goals for Technology Use	TLT	11/15/12 12/07/12	Completed Surveys	Set no more than 3 goals for campus technology use
4. TLT will meet to plan implementation of mini-lessons during January.	TLT	11/15/12 12/14/12		Plan at least 3 mini-lessons for the month of January
5. TLT gives at least 3 mini-lessons each month	TLT	01/07/13 05/10/13	TLT	Surveys will be handed out at the end of each mini-lesson to determine the effectiveness of that particular lesson
6. TLT will meet at least once per month to determine upcoming lessons for the month	TLT	01/07/13 04/10/13	TLT and surveys from each mini-lesson	Have plans setup for the next month
7. Survey Staff using ISTE's NET-T plus additional questions created by the TLT	Kubala	05/10/13 05/24/13	TLT and completed ISTE's NET-T
8. Review Results of all Surveys and plan for the following year	TLT	05/10/13 06/01/13	TLT	Have a plan in place for next school year with improvements in place from lessons learned this school year.
9. Report Findings	Kubala	07/01/13	Information gathered from TLT	Share data with Site Coordinator, Staff, District, and all interested parties.

Form used from:

Harris, Sandra, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie P. Combs. "Examining the Work: Taking Action for School Improvement." Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, 2010. 85. Print.

Here's the Plan. . . Part 1

WOOOHOOO!!!!  I've made a plan and here it is.  I have to tell you that I am really excited about implementing this on my campus!

1. Examining the work: Setting the Foundation – Through meetings with teachers and my site supervisor it was agreed that teachers could use more technology during their lessons.
2. Analyzing data – Data will be gathered by giving surveys to students about how much they feel like they are engaged in the lessons during a typical day. Teachers will be given ISTE's NET-T as a pre-test and after all the training has been completed near the end of the year as a post-test.
3. Developing deeper understanding – A Technology Leadership Team will be formed and will continually offer ideas for additional training and ways the training can be improved throughout the program. Additionally, surveys will be completed at the end of each training session to evaluate how effective that particular training was.
4. Engaging in Self-Reflection – I will continue to work on my leadership weaknesses throughout this research.
5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns – The Technology Leadership Team will look at identifying data patterns, gaps, and will seek ways to address equity issues.
6. Determining direction – The technology Leadership Team will work collaboratively to address action research questions, monitoring progress, and assessing achievement.
7. Taking action for school improvement – Mini-lessons will be held throughout the school year on various technology topics including technology available on the campus and web 2.0 tools. The topics of the mini-lessons will be guided by the Technology Leadership Team who will take suggestions from all staff.
8. Sustaining improvement – The mini-lessons will continue year after year to address new and emerging technologies. We will also use them as refresher courses to others and give opportunities for other teachers to teach the lessons.
   
   
   Based on the 8 Steps outlined in:
   
   Harris, Sandra, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie P. Combs. Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, 2010. Print.