A leader can reflect on every aspect of his action research through his blog. That way, there is documentation of the thought processes and inspiration before it gets lost in the myriad of business of the day. It’s almost like a conversation of a leader to his inner soul, reaching to his inner most longings to find solutions for the greater good of his constituents.
A blog is also a good way of sharing the action research to others. This way, stakeholders and other leaders can comment and suggest ideas to make the research better, interactive and relevant to all concerned.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Action Research
I finally found the right word to describe what I have been doing all along as a special education teacher - action research. When I start a school year, I ask this question to myself, "What can I do help each of my students meet their goals and expectations for the school year?” Then, I research on different strategies and interventions that may work to help them be successful. Next, I devise lesson plans using the strategies and interventions and implement them to the students. Finally, I evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. Then, the action research cycle starts again.
Furthermore, the readings for this course will help me extend the application of action research, not just in teaching, but in leadership. I am now pursuing a course in educational technology and because of this my principal has given me the responsibility of managing the usage of Renzulli on our campus. Renzulli is the program that the district has implemented to aid teachers in differentiating instruction to all learners. By knowing the mechanics of administrative inquiry, I am now better equipped to muse over strategies in motivating teachers to use the technology for teaching and learning.
In conclusion, action research is an excellent tool for me to use as a teacher and a leader in technology on campus. I am even thinking of teaching this tool to my students. This is exactly the kind of mind set I want to instill in them. I would like them to take ownership of their education and to solve their problems concerning their learning.
Furthermore, the readings for this course will help me extend the application of action research, not just in teaching, but in leadership. I am now pursuing a course in educational technology and because of this my principal has given me the responsibility of managing the usage of Renzulli on our campus. Renzulli is the program that the district has implemented to aid teachers in differentiating instruction to all learners. By knowing the mechanics of administrative inquiry, I am now better equipped to muse over strategies in motivating teachers to use the technology for teaching and learning.
In conclusion, action research is an excellent tool for me to use as a teacher and a leader in technology on campus. I am even thinking of teaching this tool to my students. This is exactly the kind of mind set I want to instill in them. I would like them to take ownership of their education and to solve their problems concerning their learning.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Course 5306 Reflections # 5
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
I have been doing a lot of reflection as I participate in this course. I discovered that there are still a lot of things that I do not know about technology and its role in education, in the global economy and in my personal life. Though I have been able to use a lot of technology in the classroom, I quickly realized as find out from my readings, that most of my activities are teacher directed.
With this discovery, I resolve to allow more time for the students to plan, collaborate, and implement their self-directed activities. These are exactly the skills they need to survive this competitive technologically rich world.
I also would like to develop a childlike attitude in my approach in learning a new technology skill. I need to explore, touch, experiment, and research on how to use technology best in engaging my student in meaningful activities.
I have been doing a lot of reflection as I participate in this course. I discovered that there are still a lot of things that I do not know about technology and its role in education, in the global economy and in my personal life. Though I have been able to use a lot of technology in the classroom, I quickly realized as find out from my readings, that most of my activities are teacher directed.
With this discovery, I resolve to allow more time for the students to plan, collaborate, and implement their self-directed activities. These are exactly the skills they need to survive this competitive technologically rich world.
I also would like to develop a childlike attitude in my approach in learning a new technology skill. I need to explore, touch, experiment, and research on how to use technology best in engaging my student in meaningful activities.
Course 5306 Reflections # 4
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
The course assignments were very self explanatory and very doable. I just have a problem with time management. I am a very busy wife and mother of 4 boys. Attending to the needs of my household takes a lot of time. So I find myself doing the homework until the wee hours of the night.
Another problem is my tendency to be a perfectionist. I want to do a good job on every single thing I do, whether simple or complex. I want to see a polished product even though I am just starting out.
Thus, much of my problems do not have anything to do with the course assignments. It is more of my attitude and habits. I need to better organize my time and I need to be willing to take risks and even make mistakes. I should not have to expect to perfection on my first try.
The course assignments were very self explanatory and very doable. I just have a problem with time management. I am a very busy wife and mother of 4 boys. Attending to the needs of my household takes a lot of time. So I find myself doing the homework until the wee hours of the night.
Another problem is my tendency to be a perfectionist. I want to do a good job on every single thing I do, whether simple or complex. I want to see a polished product even though I am just starting out.
Thus, much of my problems do not have anything to do with the course assignments. It is more of my attitude and habits. I need to better organize my time and I need to be willing to take risks and even make mistakes. I should not have to expect to perfection on my first try.
Course 5306 Reflections # 3
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
For the most part, I have enjoyed exploring the different Web 2.0 tools, reading the latest on technology, and navigating through the course program. The biggest frustration is taking part in a web conference. The first web conference, I was not able to connect. Then, on the next one, I was out of town and had no internet connection. Finally last night was the epitome of my frustration; I tried to join but did not know how to participate in the discussion. Then, I was asked to leave the room. I was wondering. Did I do something grievous or did I offend anyone?
Hopefully, I did not do such thing. Nevertheless, I still do not understand why I would have a difficult time with this technology because I have been video conferencing using Yahoo Messenger (or Skype) with my family and friends in the Philippines for the past 4 years.
For the most part, I have enjoyed exploring the different Web 2.0 tools, reading the latest on technology, and navigating through the course program. The biggest frustration is taking part in a web conference. The first web conference, I was not able to connect. Then, on the next one, I was out of town and had no internet connection. Finally last night was the epitome of my frustration; I tried to join but did not know how to participate in the discussion. Then, I was asked to leave the room. I was wondering. Did I do something grievous or did I offend anyone?
Hopefully, I did not do such thing. Nevertheless, I still do not understand why I would have a difficult time with this technology because I have been video conferencing using Yahoo Messenger (or Skype) with my family and friends in the Philippines for the past 4 years.
Course 5306 Reflections # 2
To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
Creating a blog was a dream come true for me. I have always admired my friends who are doing “Mommy blogs” and wished that I could create one. However, I never had the push to do it. Now that it was an assignment, I actually created one.
Now, I am thinking of creating a teacher blog. Not only will it be a vehicle for self expression, but it will also be a fountain of teacher resources, sharing of best practices, and fulfillment of most of my internship activities.
This is how I picture my role in the 21st Century. I will be using the up to date tools such as blogs and wikis to share my enthusiasm for life, and for teaching and learning. I will do my best to integrate technology in my teaching so my students will be exposed that what is really happening in the world today.
Creating a blog was a dream come true for me. I have always admired my friends who are doing “Mommy blogs” and wished that I could create one. However, I never had the push to do it. Now that it was an assignment, I actually created one.
Now, I am thinking of creating a teacher blog. Not only will it be a vehicle for self expression, but it will also be a fountain of teacher resources, sharing of best practices, and fulfillment of most of my internship activities.
This is how I picture my role in the 21st Century. I will be using the up to date tools such as blogs and wikis to share my enthusiasm for life, and for teaching and learning. I will do my best to integrate technology in my teaching so my students will be exposed that what is really happening in the world today.
Course 5306 Reflections # 1
What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
Technology has always fascinated me. In the 80’s I was so addicted to video games like Donkey Kong. I played the game so well that I was referred to as “Donkey Kong Queen”. I continue to enjoy using different forms of technology (cell phone, Ipod, computer, digital camera) in my everyday life. So when the opportunity came for me to pursue my masters, I naturally chose technology leadership.
I thought an online course would be easy but it turned out to be a challenge that I actually enjoy. I am doing things that I only dreamed of doing before such as creating a blog or a wiki. My eyes have been opened to the huge role that technology plays in the global events. I could not wait to learn more. I could not wait to share all things that I have learned to my colleagues and my students.
Technology has always fascinated me. In the 80’s I was so addicted to video games like Donkey Kong. I played the game so well that I was referred to as “Donkey Kong Queen”. I continue to enjoy using different forms of technology (cell phone, Ipod, computer, digital camera) in my everyday life. So when the opportunity came for me to pursue my masters, I naturally chose technology leadership.
I thought an online course would be easy but it turned out to be a challenge that I actually enjoy. I am doing things that I only dreamed of doing before such as creating a blog or a wiki. My eyes have been opened to the huge role that technology plays in the global events. I could not wait to learn more. I could not wait to share all things that I have learned to my colleagues and my students.
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