EDLD 5326 Action Research Summary

 

    

  

     During the integration of the C-Scope curriculum in our district, it was discovered that the Technology TEKS were not addressed in any of the lessons. Technology is an integral tool for providing differentiated learning. I have collected data to determine which teachers are integrating technology and which labs are being utilized for the implementation. The technology specialist has provided documentation that supplies me with names of teachers utilizing the labs as well as their lab activities.  The 6^th grade teachers are utilizing the labs very effectively. Most teachers are utilizing the labs for review games or skill drills. Most teachers prefer the portable labs to the stationary labs. This is primarily due to time constraints. I have surveyed the teachers who are not utilizing the labs. Their reasons range from not having enough time to not being confident about using the technology tools. The technology specialist and I have been conducting workshops during the summer and after school hours to encourage teachers to become more familiar with the technology tools available on our campus.  I have instructed teachers on the use of digital tools such as BrainPop, Edmodo, Discovery Education, and Smart Notebook. I have provided teachers with multiple resources to help them create lesson plans that integrate technology within their specific curriculum. Several teachers expressed an interest in the smart board technology. We are not fortunate enough to have smart boards in every classroom, so our district technology coordinator purchased a wireless mouse for every teacher on my campus. We received the wireless mouse just before school started. The wireless mouse may be used with the Smart Notebook program, and the students manipulate the activity with the wireless mouse. This converts our white boards into an interactive surface. I am working with the technology specialist to provide training for the teachers in order to use the wireless mouse effectively with the smart board technology. I should be completely finished with my Action Research by the end of November.

Jeanette King
EDLD 5326 School Community Relations

EDLD 5326 Web Conference Week 2

 

Web Conference: Sept. 8, 2012  9:00 am

     Dr. Abernathy and Dr. Jenkins provided a lot of information during this web conference. The transition from EPIC to Black Board has been a little stressful. I have had to learn a new navigation system, and I have been concerned that I am not receiving all of the information needed to successfully complete the course. I have learned to check announcements and messages on the main page to obtain the latest information.

     The one major difference is the discussion board. We are now in groups rather than sections. We do not create new threads, but simply reply to the original prompt post. Both Dr. Abernathy and Dr. Jenkins gave helpful information for using the discussion board, locating resources, and submitting course components. Submissions are now unlimited. If the wrong assignment is submitted or if the assignment needs to be retrieved and resubmitted, it is possible to do so.

     Now that we are in assigned discussion groups, the IAs need our name, group name, and Lamar ID number on all submissions.  The section number does not identify our group anymore. As we rotate through our remaining courses, our group names may change depending on the number of students in the course.

     Dr. Jenkins informed us that the Week 3 Mid-Term Exam will take from a half hour to 45 minutes to complete. He will provide a study guide of Test Taking Tips for the Mid-Term Exam. He explained that he will identify where to look for answers. I appreciate the study guide tips, because it allows me to focus on the material that the exam will address. In week 4, Dr. Abernathy and Dr. Jenkins will review the answers on the Mid-Term Exam.

     Dr. Abernathy will upload the web conferences and the chat logs to Black Board in the Resources section of the course. Video scripts may also be found in the Resource section. 

Jeanette King

EDLD 5326 School Community Relations

BB Kirkland 01