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.