Media Technology Week 1

This week we create a digital story. My topic was entitled "Who Am I?" . I found the creation of this digital story quite enjoyable. I learned that using interviews and story boards helps you to brainstorm and organize before creating. I used post its with a description of each picture above. I found the process to be quite easy and enjoyable. I learned that if you want a file to upload quickly post on You Tube. It took less than a minute to post. When I tried to post on Teacher Tube it said it could take up to twenty four hours. Once I uploaded it to You Tube it was only a matter of seconds to get it on my Wiki.


In fourth grade students create timelines with their baby pictures. I think it would be wonderful to use digital story telling to have students really think out the topic and details behind their pictures. You could also use it to create stories using images online or students acting out images. This is a wonderful way to enhance learning in the classroom.

Week 5 Action Research

The definition and essence of action research was new and of greatest interest. It changed the whole notion of what I conceived as research. Action research is practitioner specific. It engages the practitioners in the design, data collection and interpretation of data around their questions. Action research allows the study of one's own professional practice and provides a nontraditional approach to administrator development thus leading to meaningful change for schools and all those who inhabit them such as principals, teachers and students.

I would like to learn more about sustaining improvement. I have read various website and definitions to help me internalize the reasoning and definitions for Force Field Analysis, Delphi Method, and Nominal Group Technique. However, finding which will work best for my project, my campus and my goals is the obstacle.

I would especially like to use the Delphi method because this is the one least familiar to me. I feel that after all the background study I have done on these methods putting them to practical use will be the best way to build knowledge. Through my experiences I can find which worked and which did not work best for my colleagues or the issue being resolved.

I look forward to the new journey my action research project will lead me. I am excited to see the end result.

Week 4 Action Research

Here is the CARE model for my action research as well as a updated version of my action research. I added a few things after my site mentor interview.

The CARE Model review will provide you with a strong rationale and framework to enrich your Action Research Plan conference with your site supervisor.


Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Increase Percent of Authentic Parental Involvement (1)

2. Decrease absenteeism (2)

3. Decrease mobility rate (3)

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Teacher commitment to meeting individual needs of all students (1)

2. Measureable use of student data (2)

3. Maintain the integrity of exceptional systems already in place (3)

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1. Increase Percent of Authentic Parental Involvement (1)

2. Decrease absenteeism (2)

3. Decrease mobility rate (3)

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Parent pre/post Surveys and Parent pre/post Interviews

2. Percentage of Parent Attendance at events such as ARDS, SAS, conferences, academic nights, special events throughout the school year.

3. Student Data both Qualitative and Quantitative

Updated Research Plan

Week 3 Action Research

My action Plan:

School Vision: J.O. Schulze is dedicated to high levels of learning to ensure the academic success of all our students for the 21st century.

School Mission: J.O. Schulze community will provide a safe and nurturing learning environment that fosters engaging learning opportunities.

My research topic
Effective school research identifies parental involvement as a critical component to student success. In what ways can we improve parental involvement for all parents especially those who seem most hesitant?

Goal: We will improve student’s success by improving parental support, insistence and expectations through parenting classes, home visits, conferences and family events.
Action Plan