Reflection of Research Course

I felt that this course overall was very easy to follow and understand.  Everything was clearly explained and organized.However, I thought that the lectures basically contained information that we read or were told about in weekly overviews.  Honestly, I did not find the lectures that necessary.  I thought that the readings were very helpful and were an easy read.  Both books contained vital information for action research that I did not know.  On the other hand, I thought that it would have been more helpful if we were told about purchasing the books earlier or if the assigned readings would not start the first week.  I had to have a rush on the books so I could do the assignment.  I thought the assignments were relevant to what we needed to do for the action research study.  I also thought that they were not too difficult that it took hours to complete.  They were appropriate and reasonable.  The discussion board questions and topics were helpful in the action research plan  by posting responses to what we have been doing.  Since not many people posted comments on our blogs this was the only source of feedback.  I think that it should have been posted the first week that we need to post on others blogs.  We were not told about this until week 3 and therefore I personally got behind.

Updated Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan
Goal: For 6th Grade students to improve their fitness levels in 6 months, by having Fitnessgram software and non-traditional exercises built into their physical education class
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Conduct Fitnessgram fitness testing	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea* Tom Hochkeppel* Robyn Levine* (*other PE teachers in my school)	October 15th to October 31st	Fitnessgram software	Compute all scores into Fitnessgram software
Decide what non-traditional activities are to be incorporated into the class	Janean Marxen	November 15th to May 15th	Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine Online resources	Group dialogue (once a month meeting to decide what we will do for that month)
Give students recording of their fitness scores from Fitnessgram software	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	November 15th to December 15th	Fitnessgram software	Handouts from Fitnessgram software
Incorporate non-traditional activities into daily warm-up routines	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	November 15th to May 15th	Each other and online sources	Group dialogue (once a week to discuss progress)
Class discussion about fitness progress, activities, and software use with students	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	November 15th to May 15th	Students	Group dialogue once a month
Conduct Fitnessgram fitness testing	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	May 1st to May 15th	Fitnessgram software	Compute all scores into Fitnessgram software
Give students recording of their fitness scores from Fitnessgram software	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	May 15th to June 1st	Fitnessgram software	Handouts from Fitnessgram software
Compile results from Fall and Spring testing	Janean Marxen	June 1st to June 15th	Self	Charts
Analyze data	Janean Marxen	June 15th to June 30th	Previous studies from other researchers	Research project completed

CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Childhood Obesity

2. Improvement of student learning

3. Improvement of teacher learning

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Student participation in program

2. Student enjoyment of program

3. Teacher collaboration within department

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1.  Is student learning taking place?

2. Are teachers consistently incorporating non-traditional activities?

3. Are students enjoying the program?

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Reflective conversations with students monthly about activities and use of technology

2. Group discussions (departmental evaluation of activities implemented)

3. Walk-throughs (at least once a day) to see if students are having fun

Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan
Goal: For 6th Grade students to improve their fitness levels in 6 months, by having Fitnessgram software and non-traditional exercises built into their physical education class
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Conduct Fitnessgram fitness testing	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea* Tom Hochkeppel* Robyn Levine* (*other PE teachers in my school)	October 15th to October 31st	Fitnessgram software	Compute all scores into Fitnessgram software
Decide what non-traditional activities are to be incorporated into the class	Janean Marxen	November 15th to May 15th	Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine Online resources	Group dialogue (once a month meeting to decide what we will do for that month)
Give students recording of their fitness scores from Fitnessgram software	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	November 15th to December 15th	Fitnessgram software	Handouts from Fitnessgram software
Incorporate non-traditional activities into daily warm-up routines	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	November 15th to May 15th	Each other and online sources	Group dialogue (once a week to discuss progress)
Conduct Fitnessgram fitness testing	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	May 1st to May 15th	Fitnessgram software	Compute all scores into Fitnessgram software
Give students recording of their fitness scores from Fitnessgram software	Janean Marxen Jay Mastandrea Tom Hochkeppel Robyn Levine	May 15th to June 1st	Fitnessgram software	Handouts from Fitnessgram software
Compile results from Fall and Spring testing	Janean Marxen	June 1st to June 15th	Self	Charts
Analyze data	Janean Marxen	June 15th to June 30th	Previous studies from other researchers	Research project completed

Week 2 Reflection

The summary of this weeks's readings and assignments was basically to come up with different ideas for the action research project. First we had to watch videos from three different scholars from three different backgrounds. There was a principal, superintendent, and an director of research, planning and development. Each person gave their own insight to action research, and each gave examples of what has been done in their school district. I found this interesting to watch and I liked the different perspectives. You can see what is important for each career position. Second, we had to read from the book, Leading with Passion and Knowledge. Chapter two breaks down the reasons that people conduct action research projects such for staff development, curriculum development, individual teacher(s), individual student(s), school culture/community, leadership, management, school performance, or social justice or equity issues. This also provided many different examples as to what we could do for our assignment. The book gives specific examples of true life situations, which also makes it an interesting read. Overall, I have a much more confident feel of what to do for my own project.

Blogs for Educational Leaders

Blogs can be very useful for an educational leader. They allow their writers to share information with many people without having to send a million emails. Administrators or other educational leaders can use blogs to hold faculty meetings. Instead of having a traditional meeting, they can post the information on a blog. Then the faculty can view that information at any time. Previous meetings can be viewed for those who were absent, or when it comes time to calculate professional development hours. By having the information on a blog, the time that was traditionally given for meetings can be used for PLC or action research time. This is much more efficient. Secondly, blogs can be used to share information about technology. Technology facilitators can post new ideas, tools, techniques, activities, or lessons pertaining to technology or any other department of education. Finally, blogs can be used as a form of reflection. If teachers or leaders were conducting an action research plan, they can post their findings on a blog. Therefore keeping everyone informed of what was going on with the research. There are various different ways blogs can be used for educational leaders; these are just to name a few.

Action Research

Practitioner inquiry or also known as action research is a method of research that solves a problem or provokes change. This method is beneficial for administrators as well as teachers. It allows the practitioner to play a major role in the entire process, not just execution of a solution. Traditional methods, such as process- product and qualitative or interpretive studies, mainly have researchers outside of your school or district doing all the work. They don’t know what problems your individual school has. They are providing answers to a generalized situation and have no idea what is actually being done or going on in the school. Therefore action research plans provide the school or district with more relevant information.
I am a health and physical education teacher. I can use action research right in my own department. Over the past few years, our department has tried to incorporate some new fitness activities and techniques that are non-traditional. We have been curious to know if they are actually working or if we need to go back to more traditional exercises. I can conduct a research plan by using standardized fitness tests. I have collected data in previous years for my own inquisition. I can use that data and compare it with the data I collect from this year. Therefore I would be comparing the results of students with traditional exercises and those with non-traditional activities.

What was learned?

I learned quite a bit from this course. When I started this program, I knew that I wanted to learn more about technology, but I was also skeptical. Everyone is always talking about how we need to push technology and how we need to change how we teach. I was weary because I did not want to change the way I taught. So my opinion about technology was low. However, after reading some of the articles from this class, and learning some of the tools I have realized that you don’t have to change everything, just integrate more. Take what you know and add some new ways of accomplishing the same goal. This particular class did not provide a lot of areas for leadership, but I am sure that will come with future classes. I feel as though my attitude has changed for the better and I am not truly prepared to take on this program.

Course Assignments

The course assignments were given ahead of time with detailed directions, therefore it made it very easy to complete and carry them out on time. Week 5 was the only week I struggled with. This was because I have just been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease and it has been hard for me to concentrate. Meniere’s is a disease of the inner ear that causes hearing loss and extreme dizziness. This was a tough week so I did not start working on this assignment until last minute. Therefore, I don’t think it will be as good as previous works. With that I do apologize. Other than that, I thought all assignments were outlined and it was very easy to know exactly what was due each week.

Still not achieved

I don’t believe that there are any outcomes that I did not achieve. Since I did not set my standards that high because I did not know what to expect, I achieved everything I thought I would. I do, however, feel as though I need more practice with the different tools, and more education on how to help others get on board with using these tools. Teachers can be very stubborn or set in their ways. I need to know how to persuade them in a way that they will want to do, not feel as though they have to do it. I also need help creating more daily class assignments that have technology integration. I feel as though projects are easy to incorporate, but day to day work. Unless I make my class more like a PBL (problem based learning), but I like some traditional teaching as well. Lots to think about!

Relevant?

The work that I have done in this course has definitely helped what I do in my class. I have learned new tools that I can share with my students and even my peers. I have already tried to tell other teachers about wiki’s. Some have just recently tried them, while others seem afraid to try new things. I tried to reassure them that they are not hard to use or manage. I suppose this is where professional days are useful. I am eager to apply the ideas that I learned in this course to my own class. I have already thought of ideas and how I can implement them, now I just need to actually sit down and do it. There are a lot more things I would like to learn, but this is only the first course. Therefore, I am excited to see what the rest of this masters will bring.

Outcomes

I honestly did not know what to expect from the course or the entire program. I knew that I would obviously be learning new forms of technology and ways to implement them in my school. I definitely feel that I have accomplished those goals thus far. I have never created a blog or a wiki and because of these new tools, I have created new projects or improved some of the ones I already have. Once I looked at the course outline, I realized that I what I expected was basically what was being taught. This first class has already helped me with getting the ball rolling with technology. I have a better understanding the importance of integration and how our learners will truly benefit from the different tools out there. I did not feel as though there were any surprises in the course. Everything was laid out and very organized.

Web Conference - Wednesday, October 19th

This web conference discussed what we need to do for the internship. Topics mainly included the intern application, site mentor agreement, and the letters that go with each. We breifly went over the new intern handbook and what changes have been made. There was also discussion about the week 3 assignment. Finally, which actually happened within the first few minutes of the conference, all participants tried to help a peer make their camera clearer.

I feel as though these web conferences are very informative. I like how it gives you a chance to talk to others in your class and ask the professor questions.

e rate and tech plan

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National Education Technology Plan

President Obama and his Administration have realized the urgency to adopt a national technology plan to ensure the country’s progression.  The main goals of this plan are to: (a) raise the proportion for college graduates from 41% (currently) to 60% by the 2020.  This means that 60% of students will hold a 2year or 4year college degree and (b) close the achievement gap so that all students to graduate high school will be ready to succeed in college and their careers.  The core of this plan is technology.

One of the main ideas is to create a plan that is cost effective and is run by cost-saving strategies.  Other ideas of the plan were to embrace technology, create innovation, have prompt implementation, regular evaluations, and continuous improvement.  Basically, implement technology in new and innovative ways now, while evaluating the progress and then improve it. 

There are five essential areas of concern:  teaching, learning, infrastructure, assessment, and productivity.  Teaching:  it is important to work with others, collaborate, and connect.  There will no longer be a time where a teacher will feel they are on their own.   Learning: engage and empower all learners by enabling, motivating, and inspiring them to learn.  Infrastructure:  expand access for resources, implement social networking, and 24/7 resource availability for teachers and students.  Assessment: revise, create, and implement standards and objectives and develop assessments to monitor both student and teacher knowledge and skills.  Productivity: provide ample amount of professional develop opportunities to ensure technological implementation.

I find that the main issue, which is for most things in life, is money.  Many districts do not have the funds to provide such resources, especially at this time of recession.  People tend to not look to the future, but are more worried about today. 

Web Conference on October 12th

Wednesday night was the first time I have ever been a part of a web conference.  I am almost ashamed to say it.  My school district has had web conferences previously, but I guess I was always nervous to try it.  However, now that I have gotten over the hump, I feel pretty confident to try them and maybe even create my own for my classes. 

I thought that this conference was an informative presentation that allowed its viewers to hear the information as opposed to just reading it.  I also enjoyed that we could talk and ask questions.  Even though I did not have a microphone, I was still able to included by typing in the pod chat area.  It was also nice to actually see other classmates (and their sons...hehe). 

I feel as though web conferences would be a good teaching tool for future classes.  It will allow the class to learn at home while able to see and talk with each other.  I am eager to attempt somehow to incorporate this into my classes, as well as share with other colleagues. 

District Technology Plan

Main Ideas of Technology Plan

A technology planning committee was formed to identify a process to support and encourage the use of effective technologies to enable lifelong and empowered learning.  This plan will integrate technologies into the curriculum, providing a variety of educational technologies that students and staff will be given access to.

Goals Included in this plan

*Goal 1 –The Board of Education will support the Public School Technology Plan by resolution and through implementation.

*Goal 2 –To support the enhancement of its technology infrastructure of data, voice and video networking to every classroom, library, educational support area and administrative office.

*Goal 3 –To enhance learning by infusing technological resources into all curricula areas.

*Goal 4 –To provide professional development opportunities for all teachers, library media specialists, and administrators.

*Goal 5 –To pursue local, state, federal, business and community grants, and other sources of funding.

Professional Development Opportunities

The Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent is the person who will be coordinating the professional development activities noted in the plan.

            Every administrator, teacher, and library media personnel will have a computer with access to the Internet and e-mail accounts.

Administrators will be sent for training at NJ Elite and workshops planned through the ETTC.

Teachers will receive professional development from Johns Hopkins University CYT, and International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP).

Teachers will also attend workshops at ETTC and the Hudson County Professional Consortium.

The library media personnel will attend the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference annually.

Teacher will also have release time to attend workshops and given common planning periods for teaching strategies.

Financial Resources and Budget

Federal Funding – 11,756 for network

State Funding – 36,320 for other services

Local Funding – 5,500 for digital curricula, 5,500 for print media, 5,500 for technology equipment, 5,500 for upgrades, 22,000 for software, and 125,685 for network

Services Assessed

There were software copyrights and agreements created.  However, there was no formal assessment of equipment and services used.

Evaluation of Goals

Each goal of the plan will be annually reviewed.  This report will contain an assessment of each activity and status of the plan.

Coordination Committee of this technology plan:

Superintendent, Technology Coordinator, Technology Curriculum Director, Technology Teacher, Special Education Director, Library Media Specialist, Guidance Counselor, Board Member, Parent, and District Technology Technician