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.