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.
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