5301 Week 5 Reflection

I feel that I have been introduced to the great learning, reflecting, and change - inducing tool that is action research through EDLD 5301. When I first saw that I would be taking a research class, I thought I would be writing yet another essay full of academic references that would never be used. I could not be more wrong! I have since learned that action research is “a process of 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, p.2) Action inquiry differs from traditional research in that the researcher is able to contribute ideas at the end and make suggestions based on data that bring forth change.  Action research projects become useful tools for solving problems and making improvements in the educational setting.      Inquiry is important to the professional growth of an educator.  In this course I learned that inquiry does not have to be a separate and time -consuming activity.  Inquiry is most meaningful and effective when the educator is answering questions that directly affect their context.  Educators need to make inquiry an ongoing activity.  One suggestion Dana (2009) makes in her book is to collect articles or data of interest and schedule a time for reflection.      The first step of action research is to find a wondering.  Chapter 2 of the Dana text was an excellent help in providing nine suggestions for inquiry questions. Not only did this chapter discuss such issues as staff development and school performance, it also gave several examples of how questions should be written in an actual research plan. I decided to focus on the area of social justice for my area of research.  Using this chapter  as a guide and my classmates in the discussion boards as a sounding board, I chose to study cyberbullying.      After choosing my topic, I learning the process of planning for my action research. I used the 7.1 template from the Harris text (p. 85)  to organize my goals and actions. I had to think critically about how I wanted to achieve the end results of my study and the steps to get there. I also needed resources to support my activities and means of evaluating them for effectiveness.     I learned the most in this class through the process of planning my action plan and reviewing those of others. When I was finished typing my plan, I posted it to my blog.  I enjoyed reading others’ plans and making comments. I think we truly do learn better from others.  Next, I showed my plan to my site mentor. She was pleased at how I had thought out every step of my plan.      After planning for action, we studied ways for sustaining improvement.   Some of the techniques studied were force field analysis, Delphi method, nominal group technique, and the care model. (Harris et al, pgs. 94-97). Reading about these methods has reinforced how important working collaboratively is in effective research.      I am excited to put my plans and learning into action. I cannot wait to find out how the data supports my wonderings about cyberbullying.  I will share my results and suggestions, as well as any wonderings that emerge from the data collected. Resources:      Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge:  The principal as action Researcher.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools.  Eye on Education Press.

Revised Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Research Questions: 1.How are negative comments made online and through text messaging affecting student behavior and attitudes at school? 2. What actions should the faculty of Vincent Middle School take to raise awareness of this situation?  3.What measures can we take to prevent these situations from occurring? Goals: To find out what seventh grade students know about how cyberbullying/ harassment affects their relationships with their peers, to research the best practices for teaching intervention of cyberbullying/ harassment, to teach students a unit on cyberbullying and harassment, and to reflect on the success of the unit taught.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Develop a survey to determine if students have been bullied/ harassed online or have made negative comments themselves. Ask questions to find out if these online comments have impacted their behavior at school.	Jennifer Schaefer Control group for feedback	3/2011- 4/2011	Online access Survey monkey Blog Control group School Email	Invite a control group of fellow teachers and EDTECH/ Leadership students to take a sample survey and make suggestions for improvement.
Have 7th grade students take survey to determine knowledge and attitudes of cyberbullying/ harassment and how it affects school behavior	Jennifer Schaefer  7th grade English teachers	4/3/2011- 4/8/2011	Online access Computer lab Survey monkey	-Ensure that at least 90% of seventh graders have taken the survey -analyze  results of survey
Plan and teach lesson on Impact of cyberbullying/ harassment -At the end of the lesson, students will retake the survey on knowledge and attitudes of cyberbullying/ harassment	Jennifer Schaefer  7th grade English Teachers School Counselor	4/2011-5/2011	School Counselor Data collected Web sites dedicated to teaching about cyberbullying Myaccess.com NEOs Computer Lab Survey Monkey	Students write essays on content learned -Students retake survey -Analyze data of survey for changes in knowledge and attitudes

Format based on Tool

How I am working on my masters:

This is how I am getting my masters. I work at night after teaching all day with my two year old fighting for my attention and my computer. He is addicted to youtube! 

Action Planning Template
Research Questions: 1.How are negative comments made online line and through text messaging affecting student behavior and attitudes at school? 2. What actions should the faculty of Vincent Middle School take to raise awareness of this situation?  3.What measures can we take to prevent these situations from occurring? Goals: To find out what seventh grade students know about how cyberbullying/ harassment affects their relationships with their peers, to research the best practices for teaching intervention of cyberbullying/ harassment, to teach students a unit on cyberbullying and harassment, and to reflect on the success of the unit taught.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Develop a survey to determine if students have been bullied/ harassed online or have made negative comments themselves. Ask questions to find out if these online comments have impacted their behavior at school.	Jennifer Schaefer	3/2011- 4/2011	Online access Survey monkey Blog Control group School Email	Invite a control group of fellow teachers and EDTECH/ Leadership students to take a sample survey and make suggestions for improvement.
Have 7th grade students take survey to determine knowledge and attitudes of cyberbullying/ harassment and how it affects school behavior	Jennifer Schaefer and other 7th grade English teachers	4/3/2011- 4/8/2011	Online access Computer lab Survey monkey	-Ensure that at least 90% of seventh graders have taken the survey -analyze  results of survey
Count 7th grade discipline referrals that involve cyberbullying/ harassment – compare number of referrals before and after the lesson	Jennifer Schaefer with assistance of assistant principals	12/2010- 3/2012	Office referrals	Evaluate the number of referrals to find out if the numbers have decreased
Plan and teach lesson on Impact of cyberbullying/ harassment -At the end of the lesson, students will retake the survey on knowledge and attitudes of cyberbullying/ harassment	Jennifer Schaefer and other 7th grade English Teacher	4/2011-5/2011	School Counselor Data collected Web sites dedicated to teaching about cyberbullying Myaccess.com NEOs Computer Lab Survey Monkey	Students write essays on content learned -Students retake survey -Analyze data of survey for changes in knowledge and attitudes

Week 2: 5301

This week was a three step process.  First, I watched the videos and gained a better understanding of action research by actually hearing about real projects happening in this area. I was impressed to learn that all three of these educational leaders obtained training through Lamar.  Second, I read chapter two of Dana's text. This chapter breaks the educational field into nine "passions" or areas that are ripe for action research. I learned that even learning to lead is an area to be studied. One thought I had as I read is that some research projects might fall into more than one area. For example, researching school performance might actually be categorized as social justice and individual students as well. The third step this week was to meet with my mentor and decide on an action research topic. I have decided on how online bullying affects our student population and finding actions for prevention. I think this topic would fall more under the social justice passion.

How can educational leaders use blogs?

Educational leaders can use blogs to publish their thoughts and findings on virtually any topic. Blogs are a sounding board for other educators to post comments and help leaders fine research. Leaders may follow blogs to find out the latest information and trends in education. They are a way for educators all over the world to work collaboratively for school and personal improvement.

5301- What I Have Learned About Action Research:

5301- What I Have Learned About Action Research:

             From the readings this week, I have learned that action research is far different than traditional educational research.  When I enrolled in this class, I believed I would be involved in researching and writing yet another paper for learning purposes only. I have learned that action research is different in that the researcher actually adds to the end product. In action research, the researcher poses a question, collects data, analyzes the data, and then develops a plan to use the data to make a change relevant to their lives.  Action research is cyclic in nature, because the action produces more data to study. This new data must be analyzed to find out if the action taken worked and what corrections need to be made.  In a sense action research is never ending!

            I see action research as a useful tool in education.  Teachers could use action research to find information on best teaching practices and monitor what techniques produce results.  As an English teacher with an interest in technology, I would like to research how to increase interest in learning grammar through computerized games. Principals may work with teachers, fellow principals, and superintendants to address problems on their campuses and within their districts.  Teacher and student motivation, test scores, discipline, and budget concerns are just a few areas principals could use action research to improve schools.  Almost every aspect of education is suitable for action research.

EDTECH 5306 Week 5 Course Review

     I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in education in 1999 and have been teaching ever since.  As the years have past, teaching has undergone many changes. I felt now was the time to go back for my Master’s degree because technology has already changed education drastically, but we are on the cusp of a major overhaul in the way it is implemented.  I wanted to have the knowledge to be ahead, not stuck in the old ways trying to catch up. To be honest, I not was exactly sure what to expect when first I started this class. I have a budding interest in integrating technology into my classroom, and helping others to so as well.  I wanted to become more capable of accomplishing my dreams of having a technology-rich classroom.  I do not believe I have completely achieved all of my outcomes, as this is a long -term goal. I do firmly believe that EDTECH 5306 was an excellent start to my journey.  

      The outcomes of this class are definitely relevant to teaching seventh grade English.  My school only has one computer lab and really no way for students to save work. Since taking this course, I think I may have answer to this problem. What if I created Mrs. Schaefer’s Class Wiki, and students submitted work to their individual classes?  I am still in the planning stages, but EDTECH 5306 has definitely given me some food for thought. EDTECH 5306 has helped me to re-evaluate how my students think. I previously believed that the technology I used in the classroom was just a way of making my lessons more fun. Now research has shown me a fundamental shift in how students think. I realize using technology is necessary to hold students’ attention and increase learning. Also, I have come to think about technology as a way to reach an unknown goal. As teachers, we must prepare students to live and work in a future that will rely heavily on technology in work and social situations.

     At times, accomplishing all the necessary learning was difficult for me. I had no idea exactly how fast-paced getting a Masters would be. Looking back, I expected to start of learning about new technologies, then applying them later. Every week I opened the assignments and could not believe how much work was involved. Some tears where even shed!  I literally had to work on a daily basis and down to the wire to get everything turned in. I found myself working on my off period and even sneaking in class when my students were working on essays. At night, I worked with my two year old jumping on the couch next to me coloring with my highlighter. Boy, this is sure different than a stretched out three month semester!  Working full time and being a full time mom has made me seriously reconsider if I can handle the time management to continue. My mentor has given me a pep talk to think about getting through one class at a time.

   I did gain a new sense of accomplishment from taking this course. I learned that I am capable of doing much more in one week than I thought I could.  I was able to learn and try new technologies through this course. I built a blog and a Wiki.  I have even started making videos of my son with animoto.com  I had never even heard of a Wiki before! Now I am writing one!  I learned about how and why students are changing because they were born into technology. I think this was the most eye-opening research from EDTECH 5306. Now, as I look around my classroom, I see students who truly think differently. I learned more about keeping my students safe in a cyber world and ways to teach them lessons on the subject. I also was able to see from an administrator’s point of view problems of integrating technology. I feel as if taking EDTECH 5306 has expanded my world.

Review of NETP

The National Educational Technology Plan rough draft was published March 5, 2010 because the Obama administration is urging technology use to ensure economic growth for our country. The plan discusses two goals that must meet by the year 2020. The plan states that the two goals are:

  

1. We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands [39%] so that 60% of our population holds a 2-year or 4-year degree.

2. We will close the achievement gap so that all students – regardless of race, income, or neighborhood – graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers.

     Learning will become a personalized process. To learn, we must come up with innovative practices that empower all learners. We must focus on what needs to be learned, along with when and where it will be learned.   Learners will have mobile access to instruction and learn though multimedia sources.  Learners will be using on-line social networks as a learning tool.

     Teaching will evolve from a solo activity to teams of connected teachers working together to provide instruction. Teachers will be fully connected to online teaching resources, tools, and each other. Teachers will be placed teams, not only for instructing, but for professional development.

     As teachers work in teams to instruct learning, they will have access to one another’s expertise. This sharing of ideas will improve instructional practices.  Online learning communities will allow teachers to continuously work on professional development, as compared to sporadic meetings where one skill is taught.

     One issue I see is funding for such changes in education. The NETR mentions in the beginning that states are facing reduced funding. Also, If learning will be 24/ 7/ 365, how will we ensure our students have equal access to the necessary technologies once they leave the school premises? Half of my classes still do not have access to a computer at home. Another issue I worry about is safeguarding student privacy in online learning communities. I definitely see the value, but see how they could attract undesirable communications (i.e.- Internet predators, cyberbullying). Who will monitor the activity going on in these online communities. 

E -rate/ BISD technology plan for EDTECH 5306

Exeecutive Summary of BISD Plan and E-RATE

E rate

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Summary of BISD Technology Plan

     Beaumont Independent School District has assembled a diverse technology planning committee to prepare a three -year plan that meets the requirements for applying for E-rate discounts. BISD currently has a 100% rate of direct connection to the Internet. It is the committee’s charge to find innovative uses for the wide area network in order to be in compliance with No Child Left Behind, as well as the Texas Long- Range Plan for Technology.  According to the BISD plan, the district is eligible for an 80% discount. The plan has been designed to be flexible as the future of technology evolves.  The plan is designed around three broad goals; each with several specific objectives. The goals are as follows:

Goal 1: Incorporate technology as an integral part of education.

Goal 2.  Provide staff development for all in the use of appropriate emerging technologies and their integration as a natural part of education.

Goal 3: Include technology-based systems when making district or campus instructional and management decisions.

Goal 4: The district will secure adequate funding for maintaining state-of-the art technology resources for all BISD facilities.

     District administrators use the STAR chart to assess the skill levels of teachers and areas for improvement. Professional development days in technology are planned based on the results of the STAR chart, even the superintendent. Nearly 1.2 million is spent on educator preparation and development.  Time for professional development is an area for concern. BISD is considering an online training model so that teachers may work as they have time. 

     The Director of Information Services meets daily with technicians to make sure hardware and software issues are addressed. Also, a campus technology liaison is in place in each campus as a first contact to help troubleshoot problems. BISD has 3.43 million dollars budgeted towards infrastructure.

     The plan states the need for technical and instructional technology personnel to support the use of technology in the classrooms. BISD is proposing to implement new positions in instructional technology. This validates the point made that our students (and possibly teachers obtaining masters in EDTECH) may work in careers not yet invented yet.

First Time Web Conference

Tonight I attended my very first web conference. I have used yahoo chat to "visit" with my sister over seas, but have never participated in an instuctor led group discussion. i must admit, I was nervous! I even contemplated putting on makeup and fixing my hair! I am glad I did not, because I could never get my camera to work. It appears to be an issue with using Mac. At first, there was feedback until we muted our mics. I learned that each screen seen is called a Pod. We talked about the 18 month internship and finding a mentor. I found out I will create my own Wiki at the end. I also need to pick out a book and read it. It was a very interesting evening. As a wife, mother of a toddler, and full time teacher, I hope I will be able to keep up with this fast paced course!

EDTECh week 2- BLOG 1

VALUE of TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT:

The Texas Vision plan has stated that the four domains of TEKS must be mastered by students when  they reach eighth grade.  In order to do this, educators need to monitor the budding skill levels of their students. We must survey our students to find out what they perceive their skill levels are.  I believe a shortened version of the  technology surveys  we filled out  for week one assignment help teachers, administrators, and students become aware of emerging technology comfort and skill levels. 

    Administrators must also understand the level of technology skills that their teacher populations have. One article from this week’s reading stated that students are capable of learning through technology even though the instructor was not comfortable with the particular program. I somewhat disagree.  If a teacher is not comfortable, he/ she will be less inclined to request funding for programs or include them into lesson plans.

The pro of technology assessment is that it allows students, teachers, and administrators to take a step back and critically assess their strengths and weaknesses. Also, if assessment is done yearly, loss or growth in each area will be seen. I found this to be true in looking at three years worth of my school’s campus STAR chart.   In my opinion, a con of the STAR chart is that some teachers may rush through the process. Therefore numbers may not be accurate from year to year. Also, I found the STAR chart to be weak in assessing what is really important: how technology is integrated into existing curricum.

   

Hi- First Time Blogger!

Hi! This is my first time to Blog! I am so excited! I am doing this for an EDTECH class, but have always been interested. I like to read blogs on photography, parenting, recent technology, teaching practices, and of all things, purses! This is going to be fun!