Week 2 Web Conference Reflection

Often web conferences are rocky when they start.  Everyone is adjusting cameras and taking care of technical issues.  The week 2 web conference had a great interaction on the chat board and discussion.  There were comments about how to post on the discussion board.  It was explained that we needed to post under our instructional assistants names.  Also, We shared ways to be able to communicate with parents and decided that sporting events were very effective to dissemenate information to the community.  It was interesting to find out that some schools do not have a parent teacher organization or association.  We teased Dr. Abernathy about her trip to Australia and discussed TCEA 2013. 

Action Research Project Update

Action Research Project Title: 

Incorporating Technology to Promote Student Centered Learning

Blog URL:

http://luetworldofheebs.blogspot.com/

Number of AR Project Documented Hours:  20 hours

AR Project Summary (at least 250 words):

 

I revised my Action Research project last class due to a change of school district. This action research project focuses on technology in the classroom to promote student learner focus.  I have discovered that my first obstacle is the system of education.  Teachers are eager to learn about web 2.0 tools, but have a difficulty finding the time to learn the specific tools.  I am working with 11 teacher at Holland Middle School.  We have completed the technology assessments and are now working with technology instructional techniques other than video, powerpoint & elmos.  The staff is very cooperative.  Each one has technology strengths and weaknesses that are really diverse.  Analysis of the STAR assessment has helped me understand technology competence of the teachers.  I have read several studies on this subject and currently reading more about specific web 2.0 tools and their best use in education.  My administrator mentor is very helpful with the study and the research.  I am currently working with the technology director with the school district.  He has been very helpful with the availability of technology on campus.  The school is currently looking in to buying iPads for the students.  I have been asked to work with this research, which fits perfectly into the research project. I feel more confident in this action research project. 

Action Research Plan Progress Report

·         Using the following eight outline elements, write your paper at the end of this assignment document in the space entitled Draft Action Research Project Report.

      a. Title - 

Incorporating Technology to Promote Student Centered Learning.

b.    Needs Assessment –

The need for improvement was determined by observation of class instruction and the completion of a survey by the classroom teachers.  The data collected indicated that classroom teachers knew basic computer skills that involved Microsoft Office tools and internet use.  However, the data indicated that the need for instruction to promote the understanding of Web 2.0 tools and the effective use of them in the classroom.  In addition, determined by observation, the majority of teachers continue to use a teacher focused classroom setting.

Data was not compiled to indicate ethnicity or gender, at this time.

c.    Objectives and Vision of the action research project. (ELCC 1.1) –

Vision: Classroom teachers effectively integrate technology as a means to promote student centered learning.

Objectives:

* To collect the percentage of the amount and type of technology used in the classroom.

* To demonstrate to teachers the ease of incorporating technology in lessons.

* To encourage the implementation of technology in the classroom.

* To evaluate the student population of the success of student centered learning.

d.    Review of the Literature and Action Research Strategy

One researcher has “coined the term digital native to refer to today’s students.  They are native speakers of technology, fluent in the digital language of computers, video games, and the Internet.” (Prensky, 2006)  Our students need to be engaged in the classroom.  The use of technology as a response system is not a student focused system that is effective.  Teachers must “pay attention to how their students learn, and value and honor what their students know.  This means encouraging decision making among student, involving students in designing instruction, and getting input from students about how they would teach.  (Prensky, 2006)

            Reviewing a variety of articles that have conducted research on the implementation of technology in the classroom help my site supervisor and I determine the steps to proceed with the action research plan.  First, teachers need to realize the levels of technology involvement in the lessons and which methods are most effective to promote decision making and collaboration skills.  Second, these methods need to be demonstrated and put into practice.  Third, evaluation of the success of these lessons needs to be determined by the students involved in the classroom.

e.    Articulate the Vision (ELCC 1.2) –

Due to starting at a new internship site, this step has not been completed.  Teacher inservice begins in two weeks.  There is a time period that has been set aside to introduce the concept and how the team plans on helping the teachers incorporate the concepts in the classroom.  Also, a website will be established to aid staff in resources that will be available for use.

f.     Manage the organization (ELCC 3.1) –

Implementation of the project will be my responsibility.  The lessons will rely on the existing technology, so therefore, money will not be spent.  The teachers will be responsible for implementing the suggested lessons and having students complete evaluations on the activity.  I will be working with four new teachers and four veteran teachers during their conference time.  The purpose of the technology and acitvities incorporated into the lessons is to promote student centered learning.

g.    Manage Operations (ELCC 3.2) –

The action research project is going to be a collaborative effort between the faculty, staff and parents and myself. We will be meeting to discuss the action research plan and what needs to be done to implement, monitor and evaluate it. With guidance from the principal, I will develop my questionnaires that will be used to collect the data needed. I will outline the plan and meet with the administrator and teachers selected to determine each person’s responsibilities.  I will be responsible for meeting with the teachers, developing the surveys, and evaluating the results.   

h.    Respond to Community Interest and Needs (ELCC 4.2) –

The greatest benefit to using technology effectively in the classroom is that it can be adjusted to serve the needs of students from special education to gifted & talented.  Also, there is technology available to meet learning needs of all students.  The school district has the technology available to utilize this research so that all students from all cultures, ethnic groups, and economic levels will receive the same opportunities. 

Prensky, M. (2006). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 9-13.

My personal digital story

The assignment for EDLD 5363: My Personal Digital Story can be viewed on YouTube by clicking this link: