Goal: Find ways to use web 2.0 tools for collaboration and professional development in order to reduce time spent outside of the classroom and away from families.
Action Step #1
Interview Principal- Discuss using web 2.0 tools for collaboration and staff development. Get ideas and/or resources
Person(s) Responsible: Bob Eikenberry
Timeline: 8/9-8/12
Needed Resources: Principal’s time
Evaluation: Site Supervisor
Action Step #2
Interview my teammates to find out there interest level and ideas on the topic.
Person Responsible: Bob Eikenberry
Timeline: 8/16-8/20
Needed Resources: Staff time
Evaluation: Principal and site supervisor
Action Step #3
Send out a survey to the staff of TMI to find out interest and knowledge of topic.
Person Responsible: Bob Eikenberry
Timeline: 8/23-9/5
Needed Resources: Staff time and computer
Evaluation: Principal, site supervisor, and team members
Action Step #4
Create an Amazon river collaboration wiki as a test. Use our school’s collaboration site as the platform for this. Send out an email to the staff and fellow 6th grade teachers in the district inviting them to join our collaboration page.
Persons Responsible: Bob Eikenberry, Amazon River team
Timeline: 9/1-10/1
Needed Resources: Staff time, computer
Evaluation: Principal, site supervisor, and staff
Action Step #5
Complete a book study using wikis, blogs, and/or podcasts. Use the school’s collaboration site tool to discuss and review for professional development.
Persons Responsible: Bob Eikenberry, Amazon River team, other interested staff members
Timeline: 10/1-11/1
Needed Resources: Staff time, text(TBD), computer
Evaluation: Principal, site supervisor, and staff
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Research, week 2 reflection
Action research is not just about looking at hard facts and diagnosing a problem. Even though we are data driven, we must not forget the human element. If we diagnose a student strictly based upon his classroom and test performance, we are only seeing half the picture. We have to look at the qualitative data as well. What is the student’s home like like? What do we know about his or her background? Are the student’s basic needs being met on a consistent basis? It is important that we consider this data along with the quantitative data in order to find the best solution for the student.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Bob's Action Research Blog
Action research in an educational setting is used to identify problems or issues, come up with solutions to those issues, and then institute real change. It is different from traditional forms of research in that the primary researchers are the people within the school, and the problems or issues are unique to the organization. This method of research is powerful because it promotes real change with in the school. It also encourages stakeholders to collaborate more often, and remain focused on the goals of the school. Additionally, when a principal takes ownership of school improvement through action research, he or she sets an example for the rest of the staff and the students. The principal becomes the head learner at the school by modeling this behavior of ownership. The actions of the administrator are far more powerful than any words that are spoken.
All too often, administrators and teachers find themselves over loaded and overwhelmed with demands coming from many directions. This burden creates barriers that make it difficult to conduct action research and other worthy tasks. Since action research focuses on one issue or problem at a time, researchers can slow down their harried pace and work on one thing at a time instead of having multiple irons in the proverbial fire.
Educational leaders can use blogs to relay information to staff, parents, and students. He or she can also use blogs to collaborate with other principals and central administrators. Another use of blogs, and perhaps the most important, is to spark discussions regarding school improvement. By creating thought-provoking blogs and administrator can “kick-off” the process of positive change by encouraging the staff to reflect on their practice and to seek out ways to make improvements.
All too often, administrators and teachers find themselves over loaded and overwhelmed with demands coming from many directions. This burden creates barriers that make it difficult to conduct action research and other worthy tasks. Since action research focuses on one issue or problem at a time, researchers can slow down their harried pace and work on one thing at a time instead of having multiple irons in the proverbial fire.
Educational leaders can use blogs to relay information to staff, parents, and students. He or she can also use blogs to collaborate with other principals and central administrators. Another use of blogs, and perhaps the most important, is to spark discussions regarding school improvement. By creating thought-provoking blogs and administrator can “kick-off” the process of positive change by encouraging the staff to reflect on their practice and to seek out ways to make improvements.
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