EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 5 – Final Reflections

At first, I was a little worried about taking the action research course.  Research for me was a complicated course I had taken long time ago when I was in college back in 1987.  To my amazement, I discovered that action research simply meant, “Systematic, intentional study of one’s own professional practice.”  (Dana, 2009, p. 9) and that I have performed this process before for the past six years while reading and studying for myself.  I have posed questions and had wonderings that led to collecting and analyzing data while making decisions that would lead to change in my classroom and my school. 

I have learned a lot in this Research course, although it was a little difficult at first to understand because I was not actually conducting my research, but I had to prepare to conduct the research through research information, inquiries, wonderings and questions to ensure that my research was a related and relevant topic to the action that needed to be addressed.

This Research course was very demanding compared to the other courses that I have taken so far for this master’s program. It required a lot of time and research. I acquired a lot of information through the readings each week and enjoyed the weekly discussions with my peers. I found that the assignments were reasonably understandable and I did learn a lot when I did the assignments because I had to research and read the required readings for this course.

I found spending the first two weeks in investigating and looking at examples of inquiry very beneficial in developing my own inquiry topic. The paces of the assignment requirements were valuable in fully realizing, reflecting, and organizing my inquiry. On week 3, it was beneficial to do the Action Research Plan using the template because it forced us to get the “big picture” of how we would conduct the research. It also made us reflect on areas that we did not consider such as what materials would be needed to do the research.

The Discussion Board was an instrumental tool for the course. I learned a lot from reading other people’s research topics. The feedback and resources I received from others was key to helping me organize my research. The interactions with others allowed me to share some of my experiences and find connections.

I believed that after all the research is conducted and analyzed the importance of sharing my work with others is very critical in solving the problem or issue on our campus. (Dana, 2009) That's why it is critical that you “get into the pond” and share your inquiry not only for yourself, your teachers, your students, and other administrators but for the profession as a whole as well!” I believe in this proclamation because once you share your wealth of information or knowledge about your inquiry or findings, you can benefit by making a positive change or explanation on your own thinking.  I also believe in using the four critical tasks to share my inquiry with others.  By utilizing these four critical tasks, researchers can better understand and reflect on their findings and begin a new cycle of inquiry in the future.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press,

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps to Improve Our Schools. Larchmont, NY. Eye on Education Press.

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 4 – Action Research Project Revised

Action Planning Template Revised
Inquiry Question: How can teachers use digital document cameras ELMOs to effectively increase student engagement and maximize their learning through the use of technology in the classroom? How can I integrate this technology into my curriculum lesson planning? Goal: I will research and learn about the use of digital document cameras ELMOs to engage and maximize student learning. Teachers will learn to use digital document camera technology with an effective educational intent. Teachers will learn about various strategies and techniques to effectively engage students in their learning. Teacher will learn how to integrate this technology into their curriculum lesson planning. Objectives: I will write and review lesson plans incorporating technology engagement strategies. I will conduct online research on effective techniques to engage students when using technology tools. I will provide online resources and train fellow teacher in the use of educational sites for self inquiry and training in the use of this technology. Teachers will participate in Survey Monkey.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Teacher research. I will look for educational sites that will meet the goal of my inquiry.	Edwardo Marquez	Feb. 10, 2012 to Dec. 2013	Internet, School Technology Facilitator, Technology experts, Research articles.	Online research and literature review.
Write and review lesson plans incorporating technology engagement strategies.	Edwardo Marquez	Mar. 2012 to Dec. 2013	Personal Computer, Word Processor application.	Lesson assessments
Teacher lesson techniques activities using the digital document cameras.	Edwardo Marquez Students Teachers	Mar. 2012 to Dec. 2013	Teacher classrooms, Computer lab, Internet, reflective journal.	Self reflections (written and discussions)
Survey Monkey Teachers participate in providing advice on strategies	Edwardo Marquez Teachers	Nov. 2012, Feb. 2013, Apr. 2013	Computer lab, Internet email.	Survey Monkey that reflects Teachers experiences.
Reflection of Effectiveness of the Inquiry	Edwardo Marquez	Nov. 2012, Feb. 2013, Apr. 2013	Survey data.	Reflect on collected data and inquiry process.
Share results of the inquiry with other teachers who use digital document cameras in the classroom.	Edwardo Marquez	May 2013	Computer lab, Instructional Planning, Grade Level Meetings, emails.	None

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 3 – Action Research Project

During this week, we focused on developing a detailed action research plan. I learned that there are many steps of how to conduct action research or strategies to follow in developing your Action Research Plan.  

Learning Outcomes:

1.    Develop a clear and concise research question and/or statement to address the school improvement project(s).

2.    Identify and analyze the common steps or format to design an action research plan (e.g., methods for data collection/analysis, research tools needed, etc.).

Performance Outcomes:

1)    Write a research question and/or clear statement to address the possible areas for action research emerging from the interview and brainstorming.

2)    Draft an action research plan that includes:

·       Goals and objectives of the research investigation

·       Resources and research tools needed for data gathering

·       Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan

·       Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives

·       Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study

3)    Review the steps in my research plan and make any needed revisions.

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 3 – Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Inquiry Question: How can teachers use digital document cameras ELMOs to effectively increase student engagement and maximize their learning through the use of technology in the classroom? How can I integrate this technology into my curriculum lesson planning? Goal: I will research and learn about the use of digital document cameras ELMOs to engage and maximize student learning. Teachers will learn to use digital document camera technology with an effective educational intent. Teachers will learn about various strategies and techniques to effectively engage students in their learning. Teacher will learn how to integrate this technology into their curriculum lesson planning. Objectives: I will write and review lesson plans incorporating technology engagement strategies. I will conduct online research on effective techniques to engage students when using technology tools. I will provide online resources and train fellow teacher in the use of educational sites for self inquiry and training in the use of this technology. Teachers will participate in Survey Monkey.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Teacher research. I will look for educational sites that will meet the goal of my inquiry.	Edwardo Marquez	Feb. 10, 2012 to Dec. 2013	Internet, School Technology Facilitator, Technology experts, Research articles.	Online research and literature review.
Write and review lesson plans incorporating technology engagement strategies.	Edwardo Marquez	Mar. 2012 to Dec. 2013	Personal Computer, Word Processor application.	Lesson assessments
Teacher lesson techniques activities using the digital document cameras.	Edwardo Marquez Students Teachers	Mar. 2012 to Dec. 2013	Teacher classrooms, Computer lab, Internet, reflective journal.	Self reflections (written and discussions)
Survey Monkey Teachers participate in providing advice on strategies	Edwardo Marquez Teachers	Nov. 2012, Feb. 2013, Apr. 2013	Computer lab, Internet email.	Survey Monkey that reflects Teachers experiences.
Reflection of Effectiveness of the Inquiry	Edwardo Marquez	Nov. 2012, Feb. 2013, Apr. 2013	Survey data.	Reflect on collected data and inquiry process.
Share results of the inquiry with other teachers who use digital document cameras in the classroom.	Edwardo Marquez	May 2013	Computer lab, Instructional Planning, Grade Level Meetings, emails.	None

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 2 – Action Research Project

During Week two I contacted my site mentor Ms. Garcia our school principal to discuss my action research topics. Ms. Garcia and I agreed on Topic 1: How can William M Anderson Elementary School use digital document cameras ELMOs to effectively increase student engagement and maximize student learning in the areas such as math, science and language arts? I consider  that the research topic will provide answers  well needed by our school learning community and  will be of great benefit for all teachers in my school to find answers to common questions like: Am I taking full advantage of the implementation and integration of this new technology? How can I integrate this technology into my curriculum lesson planning?I believe that answers to this questions and many more will provide with needed technology integration strategies to meet our schools and states goals. 

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 1 – Action Research Project

What I Learned About Action Research?  I learned that there are many benefits of conducting an action research study. The process of Action research it’s a key factor in an effective administrators planning and performance. Different than traditional educational research where a solution to a problem comes from “outside” experts such as consultants or university researchers, action research model comes from a perspective of solutions coming from internal inquiry to address specific problems or situations that affect our schools. As a future technology leader and administrator, I can understand the importance  of making time to schedule time for research. Incorporating  time in the daily schedule for inquiring has to be a most  in our daily tasks. Once  implemented with time  this process  becomes second nature and part of your daily routine. There are so many problems that need be improved in public schools, especially in low socio economic areas. I learned that action research promotes collaboration, communication and thought stirring analysis of common problems and concerns in a school or classroom where educators identify a problem, research, use data collection and analysis, report results, reflect, find a solution and take action to improve the problem or situation. Also, having others engage in the action research will allow more people to voice their opinion and feel a part of the solution.

EDLD 5301 Reflections Week 1 – Blog Usage

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs? I can think of several ways that an educational leader might use a blog. Blogs can be an excellent  tool for educational leaders to keep communication open among various school communities and share information about coming events. They can be use as a two way communication venue where teachers can  share ideas, collect feedback and find solutions to school problems. Finally, educational leaders can use  and shape blogs as required to fulfill their schools needs.

EDLD 5306 Course Reflection

Concepts of Educational Technology

When I first began this course, I envisioned attaining information regarding integrating technology, the use of technology in the classrooms and how to incorporate the technology in my classroom.   Although the course was a little overwhelming  than I envisioned it to be, I learned a lot about new tools necessary for collaborating and working more effectively  with colleagues, students, parents, and administrators.  Web 2.0 digital tools like blogging, social bookmarking, podcasts and Wiki Spaces proved to be valuable tools when integrating technology but require effective planning and time. I am in the process of implementing these tools in my classroom as well as throughout my campus. I become an advocate even though I have encounter opposition during this process due to some Educators do not feel comfortable with these tools mainly do to their lack of training and exposure. Persuasion and training of educators are key factors to help them get out of their comfort zone. Which will help schools align and comply with the Texas STaR chart and the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology. 

Concepts of Educational Technology surpass all expectations and outcomes that I envisioned of this course. It provided me with technology concepts and skills I didn’t even foresee were out there. I got acquainted with technology terms and processes like the STaR chart and how it relates to the Texas Ling Range Plan for Technology. Using and working with Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, RSS feeds and other collaborative tools had provided  me with opportunities to get familiarize with them and put them to practice. These relevant new skills have equipped me with a higher level of understanding in the technology world to be used to incorporate technology effectively in my classroom to improve student academic success. Now I have a better understanding that as a technology teacher I should make sure that I have the necessary tools to help all students bridge the technological gap that exists in our school campus.

I discovered that technology is not being correctly integrated in all classrooms in my school campus and teachers are not motivated to transition and do not know how to integrate this new digital tools in to their teaching. The need for adequate budgeting to provide the necessary upgrades for schools that do not have the necessary infrastructure, equipment and still not ready for this transition. I feel that I could promote and incorporate the use of online communities (wikis) to examine the challenges and obstacles that we confront both the educators and students in using technology successfully and effectively in the 21st Century. As there is an extraordinary need for more technology staff development and workshops. Necessary to provide educators with the knowledge and essential skills needed to transition to a  21st Century technology learning environment in our schools. I believe as Educators it’s our responsibility advocate for the implementation and promote change in old ineffective teacher center habits. 

Concepts of Educational Technology work and assignments were very demanding and required good planning and time management. At the beginning of this course I felt over whelmed due to the nature that this was my first experience taking a masters level course.  As time went by I developed the skills needed to fulfill all the assignments requirements. I still need to keep polishing my new acquired technological skills. I enjoy creating a blog and a wiki space and getting engage in the different board discussions. The combination of tools (videos, readings and links provided) used during this course were appropriated a relevant to today’s technologies been used and trends in the educational world. The web conferences gave us a sense of community as a group. Professor Borel kept us up-to-date, provided personalized help that made me feel more comfortable and eased my sense of frustration at times and built my sense of confidence to successfully complete the course.

I learned that time its precious and I had to stay focused to not fall behind.  I learned that even though I posses some experience in the technology world and try to keep my self up to date there were big holes and gaps in my knowledge. Also that is not enough to learn and acquire Technology knowledge you also need to be able to use, implement, collaborate on it and be engage in the process. Through out the course I discovered new digital tools such as Web 2.0 digital tools like blogging, social bookmarking, podcasts and Wiki Spaces proved to be valuable tools and how to integrate them to enhance my student learning skills. Concepts of Educational Technology help to change my attitude I realized that I have so much more to learn and I need to keep my self up to date with new resources and  using them in creative ways. To prepare my students with the technology skills that they will need to be successful in life.

William M Anderson E-Rate/STaR Chart Slide Show Presentation

William m anderson elementary school e rate s ta-r chart summaryd

View more presentations from Edwardo Marquez.

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #3 – National Educational Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan was released by the U.S. department of Education in November 2010. The plan is comprised of five goals: Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure, and Productivity.

The plan provides a detailed model that paints a picture of what learning should look like. It emphasizes that students should be learning inside and outside of the confines of the classroom, and that technology should be used to provide students with learning experiences that are relevant and reflect the reality of their daily lives. Technology empowers students to take control of their own learning, while educators are to provide activities that meet individual goals, needs, and interests using a variety of technology tools. 

The plan states that educators are to practice connected teaching.  Connected teaching means 24/7 access to information regarding student learning.  Educators are connected to their students, to professional resources, and to analytical tools that provide insight into student learning.  As students engage in self-directed learning, educators are to become the facilitators and collaborators for their learning. Educators are expected to be involved in professional social networks that support their own learning as they attempt to enrich and strength their technological knowledge and expertise. Teachers should be given opportunities to participate in online courses and to help, collaborate, design and develop resources with other educators.

Budget funding is probably the greatest obstacle to this plan. The infrastructure of the school district will have to ensure 24/7 access for all of its students in order for the connected teaching goal to be successful. Our school buildings will need to be remodeled and updated to provide students with the latest advancements in technology equipment.  School districts will need to provide educators with extensive professional development that ensures students are being provided with individualized and differentiated instruction.

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #2 – District Technology Plan

The Dallas ISD Technology Plan 

The Instructional Technology (IT) department of Dallas ISD managed the Title II, Part D,

Enhancing Education through Technology grant is one of the main initiatives awarded by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2009-10 school years. The grant provides funds to the district to facilitate improvements in the use and integration of technology as a part of educational delivery strategies employed by the district. The IT department applied the funding to four major program areas within the district: • Technology Integration Initiative is based on a three-year cycle where each Learning Community administrator identified the particular campuses to participate. The campuses are allocated points based on student enrollment to be spent by choosing from a menu of technology packages allowing campuses to choose the technology that best met their needs. For each technology package chosen teachers were required to attend training.• District-wide Technology Initiatives such as Dallas ISD Online a Blackboard Academic Suite software  geared to host district-specific online training applications for teachers. • Technology Fair provides a variety of workshops that targets key curriculum areas. Such as technology in: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies and provides hands-on workshops and presentations gives teachers an opportunity to interact with their peers and learn new strategies and techniques on how to successfully integrate technology in their classrooms. • Services to Private Schools In connection with No Child Left Behind, Dallas ISD provide technical services to area private schools.

Each of these programs is carefully integrated as part of the district wide plan to prepare both teachers and students to embrace and integrate technology in the school, workplace and home. The District Technology Plan has evolved in to four interconnected educational goals. Each goal provides a solution to a specific area that, when combined, creates an environment where student achievement becomes the primary goal. The four goals are: 1) Academic, 2) Business Systems, 3) Infrastructure, and 4) Equitable Access.

Funded through Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education through Technology Education Program Budget $836,000 yearly.

Contact Ph.D. Tabiri Tabasuri 

EDLD 5306 Blog Posting #1 – Technology Assessments

As Technology develops in the 21st century digital era and world communications continues to change and evolve, there is urgency and requirements to ensure schools are assisting students become technology proficient. Developing initiatives to monitor educators' technology leadership knowledge and skills, districts and campuses can have an idea to diagnose and determine the skill level and implement solutions to meet this need. Texas assesses these skills and knowledge by using the State Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart. By using this assessment tool, campuses are evaluated in the following categories:

Key Area I Teaching and Learning: This category measures how technology is being used and implemented. Key Area II Educator Preparation & Development: Rates teachers based on their knowledge of technology and reviews continued professional development in regards to technology. Key Area III Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support: Targets administrators and leaders by rating what is being done to support educators and students in reaching their technology needs and goals. Budgeting is also part of this category. Key Area IV Infrastructure & Technology: This category reviews current equipment that is available on campus for students to use and helps determine if there is an adequate amount for each student, of equipment, school infrastructure up to date and what software and internet connections are available for student usage.

When different districts and campuses review and address each area they are able to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and address each campus' needs to ensure student success is achieved. Effective assessment tools are a vital part of communicating with key decision makers, faculty and stakeholders what technology and professional development are needed.

EDLD 5306 Web Conference Week 2 - November 17, 2011

My First web conference

                                                 

I placed reminders about the web conference every where. It was so funny each time a looked around I will see one of my yellow sticky notes. I didn’t want to missed it or been late. When I arrived home and started making sure everything was working properly. I don’t consider my self a Technology virtuoso but I can figure my way around it. To my amazement the software used for the web conference adobe connects was very user friendly. Before the conference I was wondering how challenging the program will be but after been able to see my fellow classmates for the very first time (some look nervous like me and some look confident and at ease). I came to the conclusion that I am not alone in this journey and this is a necessary step I need to take in my professional life.

Professor Borel started the conference on time greeting the class and reminding us that she was going to press on to be able to cover everything she had on her agenda.  She covered the different requirements of the Masters program and stated critical components such as the internship, field base experiences and assignments and offered to answer any questions at the end. The conference went by pretty quickly and when it war over after getting all that information in to my system I felt overwhelmed.

As an Educator I understand the importance of the use of technology in the classroom for student learning and that we are in a very important time and place in history where you need to be technology savvy if you want your students to be successful.