Reflections on EDLD 5301 Research, Week 5

I have learned a lot in this course. Prior to taking it, I had very little idea of what an action research entails, even though I was aware of the term. The books, lectures, blogs, and discussion forums have been particularly helpful during the entire duration of the course and in my current action research on the effectiveness of inclusion as opposed to self-contained resource classes for students with special needs.
In closing, I have found this course to be helpful and relevant to my professional career, and one that has certainly enriched my professional life.

Reflections on EDLD 5301 Research, Week 4

Action Research Plan

Describe the problem and area of focus
There has been a strong push to get educational technology into the hands of students and teachers even though many obstacles to implement it still exist. Equipment may not be installed in easily accessible locations. Software and hardware often pose problems for teachers in the classroom and immediate technical support may be unavailable. Teachers may lack the time and the inspiration to learn technology skills. Professional development activities may not provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers, or practical strategies for implementing technology into lesson plans. Preliminary technology funding may not be continued and thus not capable of providing upgrades, maintenance, and ongoing professional development.
Define the factors involved in your area of focus
The factors include placement of computers for equitable access, technical support, effective goals for technology use, new roles for teachers, time for ongoing professional development, appropriate coaching of teachers at different skill levels, teacher incentives for use, availability of educational software, and sustained funding for technology.
Develop research questions
My study question is what obstacles can I help remove to utilize this technology better?
Describe the intervention/innovation to be implemented
The implementation of positive reinforcement with teachers, such as a “jeans wear pass” for successful completion of staff development.
Develop a timeline for implementation
First of school year, implement strategies, Collect data through October, Analyze Data – December. Share data with others through professional development.
Describe stakeholders
Stakeholders include: myself as well as the other teachers, other staff members, parents, and administrative personnel.
Develop a list of resources to implement the plan
Involve all teachers when creating guidelines and usage, teacher of the week, jeans passes for positive usage, rewards, frequent positive feedback, and attention.
Describe the data to be collected
My plan for the school year is to place computers for equitable access, provide technical support, determine effective goals for technology use, acceptance of new roles for the teachers in the classroom, provide time for ongoing professional development, coach teachers at different skill levels, offer incentives for teachers to use technology, choosing appropriate software, and help obtain sustaining funding.
Develop a data collection plan
With the use of a running record, I will collect data necessary and use it for feedback.
Develop an analysis plan
Data will be collected and analyzed and comparisons will be made from the first day of School with usage changes.
Carry out the plan
Report the results
Results of the plan will be reported to all stakeholders through the implementation of a professional development. This will allow for collaboration on a school wide action plan.

Reflections on EDLD 5301 Research, Week 3

Action Research Draft

Describe the problem and area of focus
There has been a strong push to get educational technology into the hands of students and teachers even though many obstacles to implement it still exist. Equipment may not be installed in easily accessible locations. Software and hardware often pose problems for teachers in the classroom and immediate technical support may be unavailable. Teachers may lack the time and the inspiration to learn technology skills. Professional development activities may not provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers, or practical strategies for implementing technology into lesson plans. Preliminary technology funding may not be continued and thus not capable of providing upgrades, maintenance, and ongoing professional development.
Define the factors involved in your area of focus
The factors include placement of computers for equitable access, technical support, effective goals for technology use, new roles for teachers, time for ongoing professional development, appropriate coaching of teachers at different skill levels, teacher incentives for use, availability of educational software, and sustained funding for technology.
Develop research questions
My study question is what obstacles can I help remove to utilize this technology better?
Describe the intervention/innovation to be implemented
The implementation of positive reinforcement with teachers, such as a “jeans wear pass” for successful completion of staff development.
Develop a timeline for implementation
First of school year, implement strategies, Collect data through October, Analyze Data – December. Share data with others through professional development.
Describe stakeholders
Stakeholders include: myself as well as the other teachers, other staff members, parents, and administrative personnel.
Develop a list of resources to implement the plan
Involve all teachers when creating guidelines and usage, teacher of the week, jeans passes for positive usage, rewards, frequent positive feedback, and attention.
Describe the data to be collected
My plan for the school year is to place computers for equitable access, provide technical support, determine effective goals for technology use, acceptance of new roles for the teachers in the classroom, provide time for ongoing professional development, coach teachers at different skill levels, offer incentives for teachers to use technology, choosing appropriate software, and help obtain sustaining funding.
Develop a data collection plan
With the use of a running record, I will collect data necessary and use it for feedback.
Develop an analysis plan
Data will be collected and analyzed and comparisons will be made from the first day of School with usage changes.
Carry out the plan
Report the results
Results of the plan will be reported to all stakeholders through the implementation of a professional development. This will allow for collaboration on a school wide action plan.

Reflections on EDLD 5301 Research, Week 2

After watching and listening to these two scholars that I selected for analysis from the Week Two Video Interviews are Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD and Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD. I learned the value of performing qualitative research to become better acquainted with my students and with all the aspects of their lives as individuals that affect their performance in the learning environment. I was impressed that both of the scholars I chose to analyze for this assignment kept emphasizing qualitative research on students during their interviews. My natural tendency as a technologist is to primarily rely on quantitative data, which tells the story of what is known or what was accomplished using quantifiable metrics to determine performance and achievement. However, both of these gentlemen kept referencing the importance of qualitative data on their students, that is, knowing the student and their unique circumstances, situations and learning styles as related to performance in the learning environment. I found this concept to be particularly insightful as it is my natural tendency to deal with students and teachers in a more clinical manner; I often tend to overlook the personal side of the equation. These gentlemen kept referencing how many hours of sleep a particular student had, what their learning style was, their disposition and temperament and its impact on learning, and their background, all areas that require personal involvement, developing relationships with and listening to the learners, sources of vital information that you can’t obtain from analysis of reports and assessments alone.

Action Research That Is Learned

Action research or administrator inquiry is a systematic approach to reviewing data, recognizing a problem, implementing a change based on research, and reflecting on the change that has been made. In other words, action research is research applied in practice by taking action after doing research. It is a way for those affected by the problem to be involved and responsible in the changes that are going to be implemented. While it may be easy to see a problem and buy a solution, it’s harder and more involved to be part of the researching and implementing the solution. By being part of the research you take responsibility on the completion, you interact with those who are going to be affected and you connect with those who are involved. The problem and solution becomes part of you.

Educational leaders should know the value of blogging comes through its power to help people grow their knowledge, beyond the limit on than that of our educational systems.

EDLD 5306 Course Reflections

When I signed up for my Master's Program through Lamar University, I didn't know what to really expect. I was going to "go with the flow". After a further course description, I imagined a general and less thorough course. I was wrong. This course was involved more with activities than I would have ever imagined, and this was a good thing! I tried not to hold too many expectations because I am "testing the waters" to see if I want to get further involved in the program, and I know now that I do. I've had plenty of coworkers talk to me about their experiences with the program and they were all a little different, but I enjoyed all the tie-ins with what we actually are doing and what is happening with our schools now. This class is very current, and the professors know what they are talking about. Overall, I am glad I have taken this course.

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Technology Assessments

My district, Sheldon ISD uses both informal and formal data collection in order to determine district technology needs.  Technology tools and the resources available through the use of these tools are indeed seamlessly integrated and unquestionably valued into our daily lives.  We are to find that there are administrative needs, educator needs, and student needs.

Administrative Needs:

Technical and instructional skills for teacher support and student technology needs

Accountability for providing teachers time to learn to integrate technology into classrooms

Adequate resources to make technology an integral part of the administrative and instructional system 

Educator Needs:

Improving productivity through technology education to support student technology needs

Use of quality web-based activities with students

On-going staff development related to integrating technology to promote higher-order thinking skills

Resources to make technology an integral part of administrative and instructional systems

Professional development devoted to web-based lessons and online teaching

Accountability for integrating technology into all areas of instruction

Technology equipment including digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, interactive white boards, scanners, and graphing calculators 

Student Needs:

Student mastery of technology applications

Integrated curriculum in order to use technology as a tool in the learning process

Connectivity and hardware resources that support effective communication and instruction

Knowledge and skills to be successful in the current and future Digital Age

Technology equipment including digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, interactive white boards, scanners, and graphing calculators

Finally, technology supports a many cognitive styles and learning behaviors.  Technology can be used to translate virtually any content into another media, and therefore makes content accessible to all students.

National Educational Technology Plan

The National Education Technology Plan 2010 was created by The Obama administration.  It has two goals.  The first goal addresses the need for higher education.  The second goal is to see that all the students graduate that from high school are prepared to succeed in college or their career.  The NETP model of 21st century learning has set goals and recommendations for this to happen.  The five areas are Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure, and Productivity.  Immediate changes must begin so these goals can be met by the year 2020.  The teacher must meet the needs of the 21st century learner.  They must be flexible and individualize instruction for each student.  Professional development must be a continuing process.  Teachers need support while learning to become good facilitators.  The Grand Challenge plan is to establish an integrated system that will provide current access to learning and provide low cost assessments.  Online and offline learning must be efficient.  I believe there is always room for improvement in the educational system.  But it is hard to see what changes may come by the year 2020.  We are in tough times now, and that maybe a continuing trend but things could change along with our educational system.   The real plan is for others to tweak and follow is probably the best we can do right now, including acting positive in these times.

Web Conference, 7/20/2011

I attended my first web conference for EDLD 5306 on Wednesday night (7/2/2011).  I found it to be a quite informational and profitable experience.  It was nice to practically see my professor in person, and not have to worry about environmental factors.  This is much more convenient than having to prepare physically for class.  No one likes to have to get up early and shower and prep for one class.  Not to mention trying to find a parking spot!  It was also good to talk to other students having removed a lot of uncomfortable factors.  Professor Daryl was great as she answered every question thoroughly.  It was nice that she allowed us to have so much access to her during this time for suggestions or questions.

Sheldon ISD Technology Plan

My school district, Sheldon ISD, and I believe that technology is a tool to be used for motivating all learners and encompassing various learning styles.  Technology is also a tool for classroom use which should be provided to enhance instruction provided by the classroom teachers.  Access to the reality of our world is important to the learning opportunities of all learners.  Consequently, connectivity is an integral part of the instructional environment.  Full integration of technology into the classroom will enhance student’s learning in all ways.  This requires the support for staff and students in strategies and methods required to promote such integration.  Technology training is given to staff in monthly meetings to each campus and the district also provides various training seminars throughout the school year.  As the instructional technology specialist for one of the campuses I feel it is essential for teachers, students, and staff to understand and practice ethical use of technology.  The Texas Campus STaR Chart is used to evaluate the progress towards meeting the goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology.  The chart can also be used for technology planning, budgeting for resources, and evaluation of progress in technology projects.  This technology plan that was created is aligned with district, state, and national goals.  Practical funding sources for Sheldon ISD include the State Technology Allotment, Title II Part D funds, various grant funds, and other local funds.