Week 5: Final Thoughts

In reflecting on the course, I feel there were several valuable learning opportunities or “highlights” that helped me achieve a deeper understanding of the action research process and assisted me with the development of my research plan.  For example, in week two we had an opportunity to view virtual, guest lecture interviews conducted with school leaders who explained their implementation of action research in a variety of educational settings.  I felt the videos were an excellent source of information and they provided a genuine interpretation of the ongoing dynamics involved with the planning process.  I also believe the readings and example resources were a critical component in developing our knowledge of the action research process.

Good luck to everyone on their research and with their studies.  I hope to see you in future classes =)

 

Week 4: Process & Progress

Action Research Plan Revisions

Most of the feedback I have received from everyone has been positive. Like me, some members reviewing my plan expressed a concern with sample group (teachers) commitment over the longevity of the project.  I will definitely keep this in mind as a possible resisting factor within my plan and provide a variety of real and virtual collaborative opportunities where members can share their concerns and provide measurable input in planning.  Another member suggested a forum or blog to keep all stakeholders up-to-date on research progress. This is another great idea that I may implement within my plan. 
                                                                                             
 









Many members expressed positive feedback regarding my approach to data collection and ongoing collaboration methods. In addition, they appreciated my efforts towards planned recognition and celebrations for success. I agree that these could be effective measures towards motivating group commitment, but will sure to track these driving factors carefully as I believe they are crucial elements to the plans success.

Week 3: Action Research Plan

After speaking with my director and supervisor, we decided that my main part of my plan should focus on working with the coordinator of professional development and the supervisor of instructional technology to determine, create and implement district-level (technology) PD courses in both real and virtual environments.

Action Research Template

Goal:		To determine how the effective implementation of instructional technologies impacts teaching and student learning/performance.  To answer this question I will develop a research plan that investigates factors influencing technology integration in the classroom: Do the quality, medium and availability of professional development (PD) impact technology integration and conversely influence student performance?
Action Step(s)			Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Resources Needed	Evaluation
1	Determine integration areas in need of professional development or video modeling through analysis of teacher survey data collected via monthly newsletter, district PD system and leader/teacher interviews		J Blankenship, Director of PD, Supervisor of IT, teachers and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	09/2013 – ongoing monthly data collection	Eduphoria, Google Forms, Teacher Interview Form (for inter-rater reliability)	Formal or informal observation methods, teacher interviews, examination of PD analysis of survey data, and collaborative planning
2	Establish sample groups based on survey data, teacher interest and campus leader input.  Secure random sample that represents grade levels and typifies student populations		Director of PD, J Blankenship, Supervisor of IT, campus leaders and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	11/2013	Eduphoria, Google Forms, Teacher Interview Form	Formal or informal observation methods, teacher interviews, examination of PD analysis of survey data, and collaborative planning
3	Determine baseline data teachers and students in sample populations		J Blankenship, campus leaders, teachers and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	12/2013	Survey data, electronic grade book, formal student assessment and benchmark measures	Assessment of collected data to determine current performance levels of student sample
4	Begin development and implementation of direct campus, group or classroom level training that models effective use of technology and develops methods of student data collection or formative assessment		J Blankenship, Director of PD, Supervisor of IT, and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	12/2013 – ongoing (bi)weekly or monthly TBD by needs assessment	Collected teacher or student data, teacher/leader interviews, (bi)weekly meetings (or webinars), classroom technologies	Ongoing analysis of collected data, collaborative (virtual) meetings, assessment of teacher/student performance, informal or formal observation and direct training
5	Begin creation and deployment of targeted virtual professional development or modeling videos (LMS) that address areas of ongoing support and encourage independent study of best practice		J Blankenship and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	01/2014 – ongoing bi-weekly or monthly TBD by needs assessment	Moodle (LMS), collected teacher or student data, Camtasia Studio, weekly meetings (or webinars), classroom technologies	Ongoing analysis of collected performance data, collaborative (virtual) meetings, assessment of teacher/student performance, informal or formal observation and virtual PD
6	Reflective analysis of data: determine impact of current research plan and the need for modification – allowing for fluid development that meets the needs of sample groups and campuses in general		J Blankenship, campus leaders, Director of PD supervisor of IT, sample teacher groups and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	02/2014 – ongoing monthly meetings throughout research plan	Collected teacher or student data, teacher/leader interviews, (bi)weekly meetings (or webinars), classroom technologies	Collaborative assessment of data and review of findings to determine if PD efforts are understood, measure feedback, and determine current student impact
7	Continue PD efforts making modifications to research plan and PD training methods as necessary to achieve maximum benefit for sample groups.  Develop an ongoing cycle of planning, implementing, studying and acting based on reflective analysis findings		Sample groups, J Blankenship, and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	02/2014 – ongoing monthly meetings throughout research plan	Collected teacher or student data, teacher/leader interviews, (bi)weekly meetings (or webinars)	Collaborative assessment of data and review of findings to determine if PD efforts are understood, measure feedback, and determine current teacher and student functioning
8	Determine findings of research to report findings of technology integration on teacher teaching methods and student performance measures		Director of PD, J Blankenship, Supervisor of IT, sample groups, campus leaders and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	05/2014	Collected teacher or student data, teacher/leader interview  or survey information,	Year-end review of action research plan to determine the models influence on technology integration, teaching methods, and student performance.  Enhancing plan as need for continued PD efforts in the new school  year
9	Use information determined through action research to plan professional development opportunities for the Fall 2014 and determine sequencing for district-wide PD framework		Director of PD, J Blankenship, Supervisor of IT, campus leaders, and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	07/2014 – 09/2014	Survey data, Eduphoria, campus leader/teacher interviews	Continue the use of PD system surveys to measure effectiveness of PD efforts.  Working to integrate model developed through action research on a district-wide level
1o	Develop future PD models using an ongoing cycle of planning, implementing, studying efforts to determine need and effectiveness of model		Director of PD, J Blankenship, Supervisor of IT, and members of Instructional Technology Dept.	08/2014-ongoing	Survey data, Eduphoria, campus leader/teacher interviews	Evolving evaluation of collected data  to integrate strategies and models developed through action research on a district-wide level

Week 2 Reflection: What was learned?

In reflecting on what was learned this week, I would say the assignments, readings and posts were directed at helping us further understand action research and assist us in determining the focus of our personal action plans.  The videos and readings were very useful in helping me understand the process behind implementing such plans in a school or district environment.  In addition, I now understand that action research can be as complex as data driven models with ongoing research and assessment or as simple as a leader’s inquiry of "what if?"

This week has definitely helped me focus my choices for action research.  After speaking with my director and supervisor, we decided that my main part of my plan should focus on working with the coordinator of professional development and the supervisor of instructional technology to determine, create and implement district-level (technology) PD courses in both face-to-face and virtual environments.  Wish me luck!