EDLD 5301 reflection

What a ride this action research course has been! Coming into this course I had no idea how much time and effort would be put into completing this work. As a result of the time and effort put into this course I have learned a lot about action research.

The lectures gave me a glimpse into what was expected of me each week. However, I found that the weekly overviews to be much more informative as I got more out of them. I appreciate a checklist of activities because it helps me wrap my brain around what I need to do.

The readings guided my completion of assignments. They gave me detailed information about other research inquiries. It was especially helpful in determining my evaluation methods and how I would share my research findings. I believe the most helpful part of the readings came from the Dana text. The chapter beginning on page 29 helped me find my wondering. By guiding me to look deeply at my passions this chapter assisted me in choosing a topic that was interesting and important to me.

A few searches for more information about my action research topic led me to numerous blog posts, articles, and tutorials about iPad implementation in the younger grades. This will be helpful as I come up with new strategies, procedures, and trainings for the teachers I am working with during my research.

The assignments and activities required of me during this course gave me more knowledge on action research. Paired with the readings I was able to apply the knowledge gained to my action research plan. I appreciated having a purpose for doing all of the readings and assignments.

Posting and replying to the discussion board weekly kept me current with the weekly expectations. It also kept me in touch with my classmates and allowed us to problem solve together. I know a few of my classmates' topics really well because of the discussion posts we participated in weekly. Knowing someone's topic well allows you to give more effective feedback and share new ideas freely.

The blogging aspect of the is course is well-intentioned. It allows us to share our thought with the world and with each other. The comments from classmates encouraged me to better my action research and pay close attention to their feedback. It's like the saying "you get out of it what you put into it." So far, I have not put much into my blog. Posting the required posts and nothing more has gotten me a few comments and more followers. But, I can't help but feel there could be more to it.

All of the aspects of the course propelled my action research project forward and gave me the insight to improve my plan along the way. I will take the skills learned here and continue to implement and improve my plan.

action research revised

Action Planning Template
Goal: What are the strategies, trainings, and procedures needed for teachers in order to successfully implement four-to-one iPads in a Kindergarten classroom?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Research different types of trainings, applications, and strategies to implement technology and implement them among the Kindergarten team. 2. Obtain teacher feedback on training to date and training needs 2. Research last year's data on the unit to be taught. 3. Discuss results with site supervisor	Marli Epperson Leslie Kennemer (site supervisor) Marli Epperson Marli Epperson Marli Epperson Leslie Kennemer (site supervisor)	September 2013-September 2014  December 2013 December 2013 January 2013	Use a variety of sources. Possible Resources: edshelf.com educlippper.com  GoogleForm Previous school year data	- survey of teachers that were trained - survey of teachers that were not trained  - survey will detail teacher need and guide future training objectives -this will allow comparison to this years' student data -this will allow for a more precise look into which types of trainings teachers need
4. Train group of teachers on a specific unit to integrate four-to-one iPads into pedagogy. 5. Have another controlled group that is not trained in this area. 6. Evaluate outcomes of students' gained knowledge between the two groups. 6. Compare last years' data to this years' data 7. Share a weekly tip for  resources teachers can use for further professional development implementing iPads four-to-one.	Marli Epperson; Kindergarten teachers	October 2013-October 2014	District Curriculum Edshelf.com Educlipper.com Education Technology websites, magazines and blogs to keep tips current. GoogleForm	- Pre-Assessment of Student Unit Knowledge (journal, drawing, interview) - Procedure or Strategy training for teachers - Post-Assessment of Student Unit Knowledge (journal, drawing, interview) -Student Data - Notes - Teacher Feedback
8.  Conduct regular evaluations by survey	Marli Epperson	November 2013- November 2014	GoogleForm	- Teacher Feedback
9. Close research, accomplish analysis, and distribute findings	Marli Epperson	November 2014		Action research to be completed based off findings.

As a result of the feedback I received I have revised my action research plan a bit. The revisions are noted in purple. 

Any other feedback is greatly appreciated!

Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: What are the strategies, trainings, and procedures needed for teachers in order to successfully implement four-to-one iPads in a Kindergarten classroom?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Research different types of trainings, applications, and strategies to implement technology and implement them among the Kindergarten team. 2. Obtain teacher feedback on training to date and training needs 3. Discuss results with site supervisor	Marli Epperson Leslie Kennemer (site supervisor) Marli Epperson Marli Epperson Leslie Kennemer (site supervisor)	September 2013-September 2014  December 2013 January 2013	Use a variety of sources. Possible Resources: edshelf.com educlippper.com  GoogleForm	- survey of teachers that were trained - survey of teachers that were not trained  - survey will detail teacher need and guide future training objectives -this will allow for a more precise look into which types of trainings teachers need
4. Train group of teachers on a specific unit to integrate four-to-one iPads into pedagogy. 5. Have another controlled group that is not trained in this area. 6. Evaluate outcomes of students' gained knowledge between the two groups. 7. Share a weekly tip for  resources teachers can use for further professional development implementing iPads four-to-one.	Marli Epperson; Kindergarten teachers	October 2013-October 2014	District Curriculum Edshelf.com Educlipper.com Education Technology websites, magazines and blogs to keep tips current. GoogleForm	- Pre-Assessment of Student Knowledge - Procedure or Strategy training for teachers - Notes - Teacher Feedback
8.  Conduct regular evaluations by survey	Marli Epperson	November 2013- November 2014	GoogleForm	- Teacher Feedback
9. Close research, accomplish analysis, and distribute findings	Marli Epperson	November 2014		Action research to be completed based off findings.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

week two reflection

This week I have learned more about action research than I knew before the start of this class. Action research seems like such a smart way to do research. You see an issue, you research it, and you use that research to solve the issue. The person who sees the issue performs the research. Genius. The readings, videos, discussion posts, and blogs are teaching me how to go deeply into an action research topic and get the most out of it. We are lucky to have all of these resources at our fingertips as we go through this course.