Action Research Plan

Action Research Project

1:1 Tablets in Elementary Education

1.     SETTING THE FOUNDATION – The school district for which I am employed has plans to implement 1:1 tablets in grades 4 – 12.  Through collaboration with my principal and teachers, I have based my action research plan on tablets in elementary education.  I will look at the overall implementation of the tablets and how it relates to student engagement and academic achievement.  

2.     ANALIYZING DATA – I will use various forms of data to conduct my research.  My main source of data will most likely come from my own experience with my students as I implement use of tablets in my classroom.  I will use information from anecdotal records that I maintain on individual students, my own journal of reflection from lessons, student assessment data, teacher collaboration and surveys, and by using additional resources and data available on the internet, including my PLN that I have created in various social media outlets.

3.     DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING – Through gathering data from the Internet of schools that already have a 1:1 system, I will gain further questioning and ideas on engaging students with tablets.  A deeper understanding will come from additional inquiries that relate to effective professional development, and instructional design with the curriculum.  This type of questioning will allow further investigations in assisting with the overall integration of the tablets with students and teachers.

4.     ENGAGE IN SELF-REFLECTION – Reflective questions:

·      How does a teacher’s acceptance of devices effect the implementation of tablets?

·      Does instructional design play a role in implementing vs. integrating tablets?

·      What will be the amount of “coaching” time a teacher must spend on tablets and how

     does that apply across the content area.

·      Will teacher management of the devices cause extra stress on classroom teachers?

·      What does effective professional development for teachers include when using 1:1tablets.

5.     EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS – as the implementation begins I will collaborate with teachers on any problems or concerns that may arise.  In addition, I will work closely with the tech team in determining teacher’s needs in relation to the devices.

6.     DETERMINING DIRECTION – My research has clear direction in determining use of 1:1 tablets in classrooms.  In addition to determining the guiding question to my action research, I have also incorporated other questions that are directly related.  Collaborative approaches have been established and are currently in place.  The timeline is realistic as it covers 2013-2014 school year.  An effective method of determining the level of success has been established through use of data, reflective measures, and using existing data from other schools.  Any revisions needed will be determined by seeking advice from my site supervisor and those directly tied to technology.

7.     TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT – The Technology Design Team & administrators will play a key role in guiding school improvement.

8.     SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT – All aspects of the research will be shared with staff and teachers.  This will be done through staff development, grade level meetings, and online communication tools.

Lessons Learned From Wk 2

What has impacted me most about week 2 is that when conduction action research is to make sure that the project is of direct interest to me or my campus.  This really seemed to be a strong message from all three guest speakers.  If the research is of interest, then the results are more likely to have a greater impact in bringing about change or results.
I also learned that action research is something that I already do on a regular basis.  Maybe not to the extent of a major project, but I am constantly looking at areas of concerns and looking into ways to find solutions.  I do this through collaboration with my peers, search articles that relate to specific areas, or use the Internet to help determine corrective action to a problem or area of concern.

Educational Leaders Using Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs to reflect upon their profession.  It’s a way that leaders can share ideas and solutions to issues related to education.  Blogs are also a great way to build a relationship with others within the profession.  Through blogs educators can learn from others how certain areas of concern are addressed.  Blogs are a way for educators to build a personal learning network PLN.  Through this an educator created another outlet of support and ideas.

Action Research

Action research is research that is often the result of reflecting upon a problem or area of concern.  This can be initiated through an individual or group reflection within an organization.  This type of undertaking can bring about change in a way that yields positive results.  Often times this type of research begins when problems or results are not as expected.   This is when questions are often asked as to why and what can be done differently to achieve desired results.

I have learned that action research is a common practice among educators.  Throughout all aspects of the profession teachers and administrators are continually questioning how, but not limited to improving student achievement, student engagement, improve attendance, and classroom behaviors.  It is questions like these that lead teachers and administrators to seek answers that will benefit their classrooms or campus.

As a classroom teacher I already use the methods of action research on a regular basis.  I am continually reflecting on areas of my profession that either relates directly to my campus or me.  By seeking out answers through research I am able to determine an approach that offers practical solutions to areas of concern.  The results of this type of research can be shared with members of a team or campus in an effort to assist others that may be experiencing similar problems or concerns.