Technology that is! My last action research project got my school document cameras for every classroom 2nd -5th grade, but now to get teachers to use them. I guess this is where my next project will start. The teachers use the document cameras as an overhead projector, but I know there is so much more they can do with them. My problem is putting this to work with research.
Stringer talks about action research being "the distinctive approach to inquiry that is directly relevant to classroom instruction and learning." I like the fact that this research will be integrated into regular classroom instruction, but I am just not sure how to begin. Maybe the fact that Stringer says, "Action research can be good for problematic groups, underachieving students, and students with multiple external demands." This is exactly the types of students our school is dealing with, and hopefully I can do some research in some way implementing our new technology into getting these students and teachers more engaged. Maybe I will focus on the impact of technology on teaching practices? After these teaching practices are in place, and I see the impact of technology on teaching practices is positive, this research will lead to researching student achievement. Stringer says, “The purpose of action research is to provide educators with new knowledge and understanding, enabling them to improve educational practices or resolve significant problems in classrooms and schools.” That is what I will be doing. Any input will be appreciated.
Jill Mann
Comments (3)
Jill,
I agree with you that if your school has the technology it needs to be used. I know that there are times when the school has the technology, but the teachers don’t know how to use it successfully. If our teachers would just get out of their comfort zone they could introduce so many new things to their students. The problem is that people especially older teachers use the usual chant, that they don’t know anything about technology. I am sorry but teachers are going to have to get over this, and learn how to use technology. I have teachers in my school that don’t even know how to create a simple PowerPoint. I always believed that a teacher was always trying to be on the cutting edge with technology, but I see that is not the case now that I am in the school system. I think the first step would to be to see what teachers know about document cameras. Then your research can continue from there. It is so important that we encourage teachers to try new and exciting ideas!
Posted by Elizabeth McMullan | January 18, 2009 1:05 PM
Posted on January 18, 2009 13:05
Jill-
We had the same problem and still do after receiving the grant money to purchase all the technology. The one thing that I think helped our staff was having to attend training on how to use each of the different technologies that we have. It was not simply a training on how to use it (functionally) but we also did different activities that gave us ideas for using it in different lessons in our classroom. It was very helpful. I am not sure that everyone has been using it like it should be but those of us that are love it!! I feel this will be a great project to help you advocate for more technology in your school. Not only will it help teachers be more comfortable but it will enhance students learning and prepare them to be a "21 Century" learner. :)
Nikki
Posted by Erin Jaynes (Nikki) | January 19, 2009 5:25 PM
Posted on January 19, 2009 17:25
Jill,
You are right in identifying your problem and that you need to start with the teachers. It could be that for this project, you start small and find out specifically, from teachers, why they are hesitant. What do they need to be motivated to use the technology? It seems that if you get enough data, your outcome would be relevant staff development. You are off to a great start in your thinking.
Posted by Alecia Jackson | January 21, 2009 2:14 PM
Posted on January 21, 2009 14:14