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.