EDLD 5326 School Community Relations

Action Research Project Title:

                           “Implementation of Technology in the Classroom”

Number of AR Project Documented Hours:

10 hours (according to Course-Embedded Internship Summary and Validation Report.

 

"AR Project Summary"

    

My Action Research Project “Implementation of Technology in the Classroom” is related to and encompasses the use of technology. One of my main priorities in this implementation was the Internet Safety. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed in college, career, and life.  We adhere to the Texas Education Agency’s standards and follow guidelines of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) is a United States Act of Congress that came about as wide public concern about the state of education.

The community and parents are very concerned about their childrens’ digital exposure.   Now with knowledge acquired in class EDLD 5326 School Community Relations I feel comfortable leading, designing, modificating, and implementing activities to promote community involvement. We have been used a variety of formats and avenues of communication; regular meetings, interviews, group processes, suggestion boxes, and open-door policies. Our school is Title 1 and we have included different activities to meet NCLB requirement: Staff development and training for all stakeholders, promoting and supporting parenting skills, meaningful communication between home and school,creating a welcoming environment for all cultures. All events scheduled are focused to encourage students to improve involvement, empower parents, and support the teachers.  Finally, by reaching individual students’ needs we can focus on maintaining high standards of achievement and assessments.

The edition included in my Action Research “Implementation of Technology in the Classroom”  is a School-Community-Parnerhsip Project.  This will allow all participants to evaluate the challenging curriculum, assess individual student learning, provide support to ensure student academic progress, ensure a safe learning environment, and enhance communications between staff, parents, and students benefiting the entire learning community. 

 

EDLD 5397 Internship for Supervision - Week 3

Draft

Action Research Project Progress Report

a.    Title 

Implementation of Technology in the Classroom

b.     Needs Assessment

How our students could be more engaged in all classes, and how can we make our students feel responsible and interested about their own learning it is the concern of all people related with education.  Through meetings and collaboration with the principal and other key staff members, we decided to integrate the use of technology in classrooms to enhance student’s learning. There were many different resources and research tools used for gathering data in this project such as, questionnaires, classroom walk-throughs, formal and informal observations.

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

Implementing this project, we are looking for the use of technological advancement that directly impacts students’ learning in the classroom. It is very important to monitor the progress for each activity within the specified time in their chronological order designed with achievement expected.  This allows participants to evaluate the challenging curriculum, assess individual learning, provide support for academic progress, ensure a safe learning environment, and enhance communication between staff, parents, and students.  Our measurable goals are designed with specific activities.  It is important to focus on preparation and assessments for each subject taught with the implementation of technology where students use the technology they are exposed to everyday.

d.    Review of the Literature and Action Research Strategy (ELCC 2.3)

Williams & Redish (2009) explains that, “technologies such as personal computing, productivity software and Internet offer new tools and opportunities for learning.  Using technology tools to solve problems or create original products can aid students in constructing meaning and demonstrating their learning – often in ways similar to practicing professionals in the field (p. 33) Researchers and practitioners agree that planning technology-integrated instruction is challenging for teachers (Mishra & Koehler, 2006; Pierson, 2001).  Using technology in the classroom affects the learning environment and culture.  The integration of technology in the classroom facilitates the understanding and also increases the academic levels of students.  Without the appropriate technology, there would be major gap in educational benefits in all academic areas. The interviews of administrators, teachers, parents, and students were the most informative data because it provided a baseline for initial screening as well as continued feedback which leads to the steps for implementation of technology on the classroom.  In order to provide better resources for our students, we purchased several new Smart Boards and Mimios.

 e.    Articulate the Vision (ELCC 1.2)

The process of communication to all people involved the following steps: First, Rectifying our vision, our main responsibility as educator leader is making learning the constant goal at school, second, justifying modifications based on the characteristics and needs of the student, and third, ensuring time for staff training before implementation.

 f.     Manage the organization (ELCC 3.1)

Writing a Plan of Action was the best way to be organized with all related with; time, materials, and participants.

SIP or PIP  (SCHOOL or PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT) PLAN OF ACTION SCHOOL VISION Harmony’s vision is to lead our students from the classroom into the world as productive and responsible citizens... and even Nobel laureates.   GOAL                                        “Implementing Technology in the Classroom”   OUTCOMES ACTIVITIES RESOURCES /RESEARCH TOOLS  NEEDED Responsibility To address Activities Timeline Benchmark assessment Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring  and assessments Information about available technology in campus Meeting with IT Manager and Principal Inventory of Technology available including software and programs Monica Gudiel Hoa Le August 2012     Grades of Students Students’ progress report of each six weeks during all school year to measure improvements Copy of 6th and 7th grade Student  progress Monica Gudiel Hoa Le September thru May 2012     Progress Report Form Completion of the Progress Report to Monitor implementation Completion of the 1st Progress Report (Mandatory) Monica Gudiel   Hoa Le September 2012     Trainings schedule Prepare and Organize schedules for teachers to be trained Select Leaders and Trainers according to tech. available Monica Gudiel Hoa Le October & November 2012     Preparation and Implementation of technology in classrooms Help & Teacher support to  implement technology  Technological devices ready in classrooms and proper creations of technology activities  Monica Gudiel Hoa Le Jackly Wortht Isabel Williams November & December 2012     Classroom Walk-Through (CWT) and Observations Follow the timeline created with CWT and Observations Timeline and taking notes of progress observed Monica Gudiel Hoa Le IT Mangater November 2012  thru June 2013     Interview to students, teachers and parents Gather opinions on benefits of technology implementation Interviews, Students, Teachers, Parents Monica Gudiel       Progress Report Form Completion of the Progress Report to Monitor implementation Completion of the 2nd Progress Report (Mandatory) Monica Gudiel   Hoa Le January 2013     Observations Formal observation to supervise students’ interaction using technology Timeline   Hoa Le   Monica Gudiel Dates according to timeline scheduled     Progress Report Form Completion of the Progress Report to Monitor implementation Completion of the 3nd Progress Report (Mandatory) Monica Gudiel   Hoa Le May 2013     Sharing results with Staff Presentation of the Project implementation and analysis of the benefits Questionnaires to gather feedback and recommendations from teacher to improve same project Monica Gudiel   Hoa Le   Principal   IT Manager May 2013     Review of Data to improve project. Tabulate information from teachers Questionnaires Monica Gudiel Monica Gudiel June 2013

 

This written plan helped me to achieve clarity with the goal and purpose in order to focus my efforts on the timeline. This format allowed me to plan, monitor, and evaluate all activities. 

My project is related to and encompasses the use of technology.  One of my main priorities in this implementation was the Internet Safety.  The community and parents are very concerned about their childrens’ digital exposure. When researching for information with Internet Safety, I found many organizations to help ensure that internet users have safe constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The best options were: Common Sense Media.  (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/parent-media-education) It provides with online access to videos, discussion guides, tip sheets, and presentations to share with parents, and the other was E-Learning for Kids (http://e-learningforkids.org/Courses/EN/SIU_Parents/player.html ) It is a Safe Internet Usage (for parents) Practical information to safely navigate the World Wide Web. Being proactive is the best way to face implementation of technology in a classroom; then,   I planned to include and show a presentation about Internet Safety in each classroom before the implementation of technology took place, and at the same time a link with information related with Internet Resources and Internet Safety for Parents was published in our school mail communication. The website with Internet Resources is a website with free students’ resources that bring learning to life both inside and outside the classroom. In my course EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics and Web Design, I worked in a group and my main responsibility was create this website page: Sites for Parents and Students ( https://sites.google.com/site/lamartchnologyteachers/home/parents-page ),  this website page provides resources related to the integration of teaching, learning, and technology in many subjects from K-12 such as; Technology Language Arts, Math, Foreign Languages, Science, and Social Studies.

g.    Manage Operations (ELCC 3.2)

In “Good to Great”, Jim Collins (2001) mentioned that a critical part of success is having the right people doing the right thing-everybody is on the same bus in the right seats.  One important part of determining direction is building a collaborative team and reaching consensus in the direction and actions necessary to improve.  Leading this operation was challenging for all those involved.  The process includes; encouraging participation, establishing priorities, reviewing previous goals, and accomplishing success.  The process included determining where more information may be needed before a direction can be established and developing consensus.  This means that most people would need to agree and support the decision.

This is a brief description of how I used the needs assessment.  The data required a five step analysis process; prepare, focus, understand, observe, and interpret in order for the data to be valuable.  Groups of people needed to be working toward the accomplishment of the vision, mission, and goals for the school is a good experience that will be constantly lived in a school and it is a little challenging to keep all people on track.  In this project, I can say that all participants were focused on maintaining high expectations for the welfare of our students and school.  Working with a group of people it is very important to have effective communication where people have different ideas or opinions giving information.  Participants were required to be open, willing to give, or receive differences of opinion.  I understand that it is inevitable for people to have opposing viewpoints.  The best advice is to face this issue by solving problems collaboratively with others providing knowledge, experience, and expertise in different areas.

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

When the project was designed, there were many suggestions for differentiated instruction for integration of technology in different grade levels, subjects, sections and even for those in Special Programs or Response to Intervention:

1. Special Education (SpEd) – Creating flashcards using the computer for students who need assistance in visual and repetitive learning.
2. English as a Second Language (ESL) – Use computer based programs to incorporate the different uses of language, read alongs, pronunciation, and related learning games.
3. Response to Intervention (RTI) – All the suggestions may be used for this population.
4. Gifted & Talented (GT) – Conduct pull outs for students identified and placed in GT programs and designed as project based using technology.

There are many different projects that can be used or incorporated in everyday instruction with the support of technology.

 

References

Mishra, P., & Koehliner, M. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A  

framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108 (6), 1017-1054.

Williams J., & Redish T. (2009) ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards:

What ever K-12 Leader Should Know and Be Able to Do. Page 33.

Collins, J. (2001). Good to great. New York: HarperCollins

Week 5 - Research Class’ Reflections

This course, “EDLD 5301 Research for Teachers“, have empowered my knowledge and increased my skills in creating my Action Research Project.  During this class, we have used many valuable resources such as: videos, lectures, readings, discussions board, and blogs. 

·         Videos provided the attention getter to keep students engaged and motivated in learning.

·         Lectures and Readings provided examples and information about how to use and implement new tools learned.  Our books provided rich information defining new topics; idea, clarifications, empowerment and accomplishment to reach our goals. The most important part for me was the detailed analysis and reasoning provided through real examples.

·         Discussion board and blogs were one of the most powerful practices in our professional development. It allowed many users to share expressions, thoughts, opinions, ideas, as well as receiving feedback from other professionals about their experiences and knowledge. 

All resources used have contributed in one way or another to acquire the knowledge required designing a professional project looking for Educational benefits.

After all inputs received, we were encouraged to use our new knowledge and deal with different assignments, discussions and creating our own blog. The output received was successfully used to write an Action Research Project with the main goal of “Implementing Technology in a Classroom”.  Nothing could be properly joined together without the proper intervention of our Instructional Associate; Mr. Creighton Gann and our Course Professor Dr. Sheryl Abshire.

 
I'm so glad for the opportunity to learn this knowledge to improve my professional career and make an impact in education.  The next school year is already challenging for me being a leader as we add another Spanish Teacher to our team.  As I complete this course, I am very excited and anxious to implement the plans at our campus.  All this knowledge would have been impossible to implement without the support and guidance of several important people.  My Site Supervisor, Mrs. Hoa Le, provided many different ideas, experiences, opinions and was continuously sharing her knowledge with me.  My Professors provided valuable feedback on this enormous research plan. In addition, I gain confidence in drafting my ideas and putting them on the final papers.  I also really appreciate all those who participated in the blogs and chats because it helped me to understand different perceptions.  Lastly, I am just happy to have completed this course and ready to take all this knowledge and put it into action!