Technology Action Research

Technology use Inquiry
Purpose

As a school that prides itself with high standards, our focus must be now on the use of technology in the classroom. Most of our teachers use basic technology such as projectors and computers. However, they don’t provide an opportunity for students to learn how to use technology themselves and they don’t utilize the technology to deliver instruction. I want our staff to become familiar with the many uses of technology we have at our campus.

Question

In what ways can I best facilitate teacher professional development to aid the integration of technology in their classroom to enhance student learning?

Subquestions

 How can we gather consensus for a new school-wide vision focused on the use of technology?
 How can administration help teachers create learner-centered learning environments supported by technology?
 What should professional development sessions focus on?
 How comfortable are teachers with technology?
 Does our current curriculum support the use of technology?
 What technology resources are available at our campus?

Method

 Staff meeting – A presentation will be given focusing on creating a new school-wide vision that adds technology use in the classroom. This presentation will show the importance of making connections with our students who are growing up in a digital world.
 Conduct surveys to obtain information on background knowledge.
 Provide weekly training on the use of technology.
 Complete reflections.
 Observations will be made when completing walk-throughs.

Data Collection

 TAKS Scores from the previous years
 Analysis of surveys
 Analysis of observations
 Technology training feedback
 Analysis of teacher reflection

Calendar/Timeline

August-September
Gather TAKS data from previous 3 years
Technology Presentation to all teachers and staff
Conduct teacher surveys
Create a new vision that focuses on technology use

September
Implement weekly ‘Techno Thursday’
Conduct frequent walk throughs
Analyze September’s student benchmarks

October
Continue with weekly trainings
Conduct frequent walk throughs
Conduct new survey to reevaluate training topics


November
Continue with weekly trainings
Conduct frequent walk throughs

December
This month I would like to meet with at least one teacher per grade level to get feed back on weekly trainings and classroom observations.
Analyze December’s student benchmarks

January
Weekly trainings
Walk throughs
Teacher Reflections on the first semester

February
Continue with trainings, walk througs

March-April
Break from trainings and walk throughs, pertaining to technology, due to State Testing

May
Collect Teachers’ Self Reflections on technology use in their classroom
Collect Student Surveys/Evaluations on their use of technology


Data Analysis
 On going analysis of surveys, reflections, feedback, observations, and benchmarks

Week 2 Reflection

I've learned so much reading about action research. When it was my turn to find a good action research topic, I ran into many useful information. First, I'd like to say that I love technology. I'm not an expert, however, I love the possibilities using technology in the classroom presents. I realize that students in this generation are digital natives. I truly believe that their brains are hard wired for fast paced technology. Schools, principals, and teachers need to realize this fact and learn to welcome technology. Computers, laptops, programs, labs are all wonderful ways to motivate students. While searching the web about digital classrooms, I ran into many articles that lead to my confirmation of the importance of technology. Site after site stressed the usefulness of technology in the classroom and the excitement it brings the students. Instructional delivery needs to be changed. Teachers must learn how to use and teach the use of technology in his/her classroom.

Are blogs useful to Educational Leaders?

Technology is huge! And blogging is a growing phenomenon! Educational leaders can use blogging to provide valuable information to our school community. It could be used as an informative site where issues are addressed.

Action Research Description

Action Research is a cycle of posing questions, gathering data, reflection and deciding on the course of action. It pertains specifically to administrative practices. This process is systematic and very intentional. The topic of the research is specific to questioning the current administrative practices being used and evaluating its effectiveness. Based on the results of the inquiry, actions may be needed to create change. Reflection is an important part of the process. A line of questioning is needed to help evaluate the progress of issues and devising and implementing of new well thought-out plans. I want an action research done that would focus on the school-wide need for technology use. Administrators are sometimes blinded from the real reasons technology is being used in the classroom. It may be that some teachers are not sure how to implement its use or it could be that the teachers are simply not aware of its importance. I was surprised myself to read about 'digital immigrants' and 'digital natives'. Our students are now hard wired for fast paced need to know information. With a touch of a button or a click of a mouse, they are presented with the information they need. Our schools need revamping to accommodate our students learning styles.