Action research is a great tool to use to identify problem areas and find solutions. It begins with personal observations referred to as "wonderings" that can be investigated using data collected on campus. So far in the course I have found that many topics for action research can be found in the discord on a particular campus. Many teachers often complain about issues on campus that can be resolved using action research.
I am trying to be more reflective and investigate topics that are personal to me and relate to my current job responsibilities while at the same time trying to think as an administrator. We will see how it goes!
About Me
- Ebony Toliver
- Humble, Texas
- Hello! I am currently a Special Education Teacher at Sam Houston Elementary in Galena Park ISD. Reading is one of my favorite past times. I enjoy books from all different genres but I especially enjoy children's fiction and historical romance. I look forward to learning more about technology and its various uses in education.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Action Research
Action research is a reflective practice that allows you to think critically about your own practices in order to effect a necessary change to improve the school environment. In action research a question is posed based on an identified issue or "wondering" by you the administrator. Action research should be posed as a clear and concise question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The question can be solved using an internal process and research is conducted either individually or as a group. Principals are able to set up Professional Learning Communities, Leadership Teams or administrative meetings in order to establish a group that will perform the action research.
Some of the benefits action research is that you are an active participant rather than a bystander. The results of action research should be an improvement in the school environment and professional development opportunities. The reflective practices and action research itself is a powerful tool that should be promoted among educators. Action research is a systematic practice that when used correctly and consistently can improve the school climate and student achievement as a whole.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge, the principal as action researcher. Corwin Press
Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our
schools, 8 steps from analysis to action.
Ringler, M. (2007). Action research: An effective instructional leadership for future public school leaders. AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 4
Some of the benefits action research is that you are an active participant rather than a bystander. The results of action research should be an improvement in the school environment and professional development opportunities. The reflective practices and action research itself is a powerful tool that should be promoted among educators. Action research is a systematic practice that when used correctly and consistently can improve the school climate and student achievement as a whole.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge, the principal as action researcher. Corwin Press
Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our
schools, 8 steps from analysis to action.
Ringler, M. (2007). Action research: An effective instructional leadership for future public school leaders. AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 4
Analysis of Blogs in Education
Blogs can be a great resource for educators. Blogs can be used to discuss a variety of topics, they can be a tool for collaboration among students and professionals or they can simply be used as an interactive journal. Blogs or web logs can be a source of motivation for students and a source of information for teachers and administrators.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Course Reflection
What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
When making the decision to pursue my Educational technology certification I hoped that I would not only become more proficient in using innovative technology but also more aware of the current trends. I wanted to become more proficient in the implementation of technology not only in the classroom but professionally as well. I wasn't exactly prepared to explore the leadership outcomes as I have recently received my Masters in Educational Management with Principal certification but so far it seems to be an added benefit instead of a hindrance. As this is the first course it is difficult to say that I have achieved the outcomes that I envisioned but we seem to be going in the right direction. I have already learned new skills that I can immediately apply to current professional position and implement with students. The course outcomes at the completion of the internship align well with my personal objective for the course.
To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
Technology should be accessible to all students. Our National Educational Technology Plan emphasizes the importance of this concept on our future and our ultimate ability to compete with other nations. As a Special Education teacher the implementation of technology tools could be the vital link to bridging the academic gaps these students face when being compared to their general education peers. I have began to research many strategies and techniques that I can utilize with technology that could serve as an equalizer for students with disabilities. Many types of assistive technology requires a proficient educator to be used effectively in the classroom. Aside from student use, many of web tools can be used to communicate important information to parents about their rights and the school's responsibilities to educate students with disabilities.
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
Upon reflection I think I had an expectation to dive right in to html source code, web publishing and similar digital technologies. I understand the need to build a foundation and research the current state of technology so to speak. I had used blogs and wikis in the past but not as in depth as we will use them throughout the course. It was especially helpful that we had a successful wiki model for our cohort. I am most definitely what I call a "cutesy" teacher and I have a difficult time finding aesthetically pleasing materials with substantial content. I would love to learn more about formatting, web publishing and Photoshop. I know that as the internship continues we will cover many of these areas. I am looking forward to applying many of these skills and teaching others how to use them effectively.
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I think for the most part I was able to complete all of the course assignments satisfactorily. The biggest obstacle I faced was the APA style of formatting. Each week I received a deduction in the area of grammar and APA. My only critique would be to be more clear on what is expected in the responses and to highlight a few of the errors so that I could use them for future reference. In many of the assignments I felt that the desired response was a personal reflection or opinion that did not require a source. Overall I think it is a minor impediment that I can correct with practice. I was a little discouraged in the format of the classes as it related to the discussion board and response requirement. The weekly format works for me but my personal schedule isn't well suited to having a portion of the assignment due mid-week. I understand the rationale but it served to discourage me from participating in the discussions throughout the course because I was not prepared to make a thorough reflection by the Wednesday deadline.
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
One of my absolute favorite activities was the Animoto video. We currently use a similar technology on our campus. I have learned that there are practical ways to integrate stimulating technology such as the Animoto videos seamlessly into the content areas. In the past I sometimes felt that in order to integrate technology it would take a lot of time and planning. As a leader I learned that it is my responsibility to be proficient in the use of technology so that I can be an effective teacher who utilizes technology in the schools. My worry is that although I am more aware and knowledgeable about technology, my colleagues will remain reluctant and scared to use these web tools in the classroom because of the risks involved. It is my desire to maintain a positive attitude and continue and be an advocate and model for the positive implications of technology use.
When making the decision to pursue my Educational technology certification I hoped that I would not only become more proficient in using innovative technology but also more aware of the current trends. I wanted to become more proficient in the implementation of technology not only in the classroom but professionally as well. I wasn't exactly prepared to explore the leadership outcomes as I have recently received my Masters in Educational Management with Principal certification but so far it seems to be an added benefit instead of a hindrance. As this is the first course it is difficult to say that I have achieved the outcomes that I envisioned but we seem to be going in the right direction. I have already learned new skills that I can immediately apply to current professional position and implement with students. The course outcomes at the completion of the internship align well with my personal objective for the course.
To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
Technology should be accessible to all students. Our National Educational Technology Plan emphasizes the importance of this concept on our future and our ultimate ability to compete with other nations. As a Special Education teacher the implementation of technology tools could be the vital link to bridging the academic gaps these students face when being compared to their general education peers. I have began to research many strategies and techniques that I can utilize with technology that could serve as an equalizer for students with disabilities. Many types of assistive technology requires a proficient educator to be used effectively in the classroom. Aside from student use, many of web tools can be used to communicate important information to parents about their rights and the school's responsibilities to educate students with disabilities.
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
Upon reflection I think I had an expectation to dive right in to html source code, web publishing and similar digital technologies. I understand the need to build a foundation and research the current state of technology so to speak. I had used blogs and wikis in the past but not as in depth as we will use them throughout the course. It was especially helpful that we had a successful wiki model for our cohort. I am most definitely what I call a "cutesy" teacher and I have a difficult time finding aesthetically pleasing materials with substantial content. I would love to learn more about formatting, web publishing and Photoshop. I know that as the internship continues we will cover many of these areas. I am looking forward to applying many of these skills and teaching others how to use them effectively.
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
I think for the most part I was able to complete all of the course assignments satisfactorily. The biggest obstacle I faced was the APA style of formatting. Each week I received a deduction in the area of grammar and APA. My only critique would be to be more clear on what is expected in the responses and to highlight a few of the errors so that I could use them for future reference. In many of the assignments I felt that the desired response was a personal reflection or opinion that did not require a source. Overall I think it is a minor impediment that I can correct with practice. I was a little discouraged in the format of the classes as it related to the discussion board and response requirement. The weekly format works for me but my personal schedule isn't well suited to having a portion of the assignment due mid-week. I understand the rationale but it served to discourage me from participating in the discussions throughout the course because I was not prepared to make a thorough reflection by the Wednesday deadline.
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
One of my absolute favorite activities was the Animoto video. We currently use a similar technology on our campus. I have learned that there are practical ways to integrate stimulating technology such as the Animoto videos seamlessly into the content areas. In the past I sometimes felt that in order to integrate technology it would take a lot of time and planning. As a leader I learned that it is my responsibility to be proficient in the use of technology so that I can be an effective teacher who utilizes technology in the schools. My worry is that although I am more aware and knowledgeable about technology, my colleagues will remain reluctant and scared to use these web tools in the classroom because of the risks involved. It is my desire to maintain a positive attitude and continue and be an advocate and model for the positive implications of technology use.
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