I attended the Web Conference held on 3/17/11 6:00-7:00 led by Dr. Attaway. This was my first web conference and really how no idea what to expect. I logged in about 8 minutes earlier than the start time and was surprised to see that they conference had already started. I did not have video or mic so I was just using the transcript. I could really see the benefits of using web conferencing or podcast as a technology tool within a school. Many of our faculty meetings could be performed in this matter and have individuals participate even if they are not present in school that day, they can log in from where ever they are. During the Web conferencing we spoke of other technology tools that could be beneficial in education today. Such as Skype, Podcast, and iPads. I commented how my school will be doing a pilot program next year using iPads as an educational tool. Three classes will be chosen and the teachers trained on the different uses the iPad has in the classroom. I am very curious and excited on the data collected after the iPad has been put into place.
The negative that I found during the Web Conferencing were that throughout the conference for the majority of the time I was unable to hear Dr. Attaway and the other participants. Also, the transcript was very difficult to keep up with. It moves really fast and you miss a lot of what is being said. A plus to the web conference was that we were able to post questions that many of our classmates were able to answer for us even if the host missed them.
Overall, with a little more organization, I believe that Web conferencing and/or Podcast is the direction that our technology world will taking.
~Michelle Ortiz-Thibodeaux
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Blog Posting #3: National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education
National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology
The NETP presents five goals with recommendations for states, districts, the federal government, and other stakeholders in our education system that address learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.
Learning: “All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participation in our globally networked society.”
Assessment: “Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and us assessment data for continuous improvement.”
Teaching: “Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.”
Infrastructure: “All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.”
Productivity: “Our education system at all levels redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making efficient use of time, money, and staff.”
Goals for Learning, A Model for the 21st Century states that all learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. In essence, what a 21st century learning should look like is placing students at the center and empowering them to take control of their own learning. Learning is not a “one size fits all”. We need to place emphasis on individualized, personalized and differentiated instruction to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students.
Goals for Teaching, Improving Learning Through Connected Teaching states that professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences, that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners. Unfortunately, in some cases, we see how many educators work in isolation and have minimal interaction with colleagues. Professional development is often provided in short, fragmented, and periodic workshops that offer little opportunities to integrate learning into practice. We have become a society that revolves around testing and how we rate as a school based on our students’ test scores. When really, what we should be seeing and experiencing in the classrooms is allowing our students to have exposure to creativity, research, innovation, apply problem solving strategies, and personalized instruction to ensure that we are meeting our diverse population of students and build on their strengths and provide the necessary tools to help strengthen their weakness.
The NETP presents five goals with recommendations for states, districts, the federal government, and other stakeholders in our education system that address learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.
Learning: “All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participation in our globally networked society.”
Assessment: “Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and us assessment data for continuous improvement.”
Teaching: “Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.”
Infrastructure: “All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.”
Productivity: “Our education system at all levels redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making efficient use of time, money, and staff.”
Goals for Learning, A Model for the 21st Century states that all learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. In essence, what a 21st century learning should look like is placing students at the center and empowering them to take control of their own learning. Learning is not a “one size fits all”. We need to place emphasis on individualized, personalized and differentiated instruction to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students.
Goals for Teaching, Improving Learning Through Connected Teaching states that professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences, that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners. Unfortunately, in some cases, we see how many educators work in isolation and have minimal interaction with colleagues. Professional development is often provided in short, fragmented, and periodic workshops that offer little opportunities to integrate learning into practice. We have become a society that revolves around testing and how we rate as a school based on our students’ test scores. When really, what we should be seeing and experiencing in the classrooms is allowing our students to have exposure to creativity, research, innovation, apply problem solving strategies, and personalized instruction to ensure that we are meeting our diverse population of students and build on their strengths and provide the necessary tools to help strengthen their weakness.
Blog Posting #2: Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology
Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology:
Significant progress that has been made in the area of Technology Applications are that since June 2010 reports from the Texas STaR Chart shows improvement in number of teachers at higher levels of implementation of the Technology Applications TEKS and for technology capabilities. In April 2009 high school Technology Applications graduation credit changed to an elective option rather than a requirement for all students in all graduation plans. And beginning 9th graders in 2207-08 Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science satisfies the fourth year mathematics graduation credit. One recommendation that I would suggest would be to leave the Technology Applications credit as a requirement instead of an elective. Reason why I would suggest that is because ofter times we could encounter some kids that do not own a computer at home or have the resources to use one outside of school and they might feel intimidated taking a technology course at school with the excuse of “since I don’t own have or can’t get to one outside school, I do not need to stay current with our technology driven world”. These are the students that need it the most and we might lose them only because technology applications are now an elective instead of being mandatory for graduation.
The plan for 21st Century Teaching and Learning provides recommendations for Texas schools so that the following categories could be accomplished by 2020. First, all learners should engage in individualized, real-world learning experiences. This is concept is an excellent idea to follow. Most of our students grasp a better understanding on certain activities if they could relate to it and apply it to scenarios that could happen in the real world. Second, all learners will access, evaluate, manage, and use information in a variety of media formats. The last component is that all learners develop the self-directed learning skills and attitudes that enable them to learn effectively.
My school district is in region 4. This region provides individuals with many opportunities for advancement in Long-Range Plan for Technology. Some examples of such opportunities are coordinating and providing training for statewide initiatives, providing alternative certification preparation (ACP) through distance education for 53 areas of certification, provides assistive technology training, develops web based applications targeting educators, and maintains expertise to assist schools and districts in network management, network design, Internet connectivity, and hardware and software support.
Significant progress that has been made in the area of Technology Applications are that since June 2010 reports from the Texas STaR Chart shows improvement in number of teachers at higher levels of implementation of the Technology Applications TEKS and for technology capabilities. In April 2009 high school Technology Applications graduation credit changed to an elective option rather than a requirement for all students in all graduation plans. And beginning 9th graders in 2207-08 Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science satisfies the fourth year mathematics graduation credit. One recommendation that I would suggest would be to leave the Technology Applications credit as a requirement instead of an elective. Reason why I would suggest that is because ofter times we could encounter some kids that do not own a computer at home or have the resources to use one outside of school and they might feel intimidated taking a technology course at school with the excuse of “since I don’t own have or can’t get to one outside school, I do not need to stay current with our technology driven world”. These are the students that need it the most and we might lose them only because technology applications are now an elective instead of being mandatory for graduation.
The plan for 21st Century Teaching and Learning provides recommendations for Texas schools so that the following categories could be accomplished by 2020. First, all learners should engage in individualized, real-world learning experiences. This is concept is an excellent idea to follow. Most of our students grasp a better understanding on certain activities if they could relate to it and apply it to scenarios that could happen in the real world. Second, all learners will access, evaluate, manage, and use information in a variety of media formats. The last component is that all learners develop the self-directed learning skills and attitudes that enable them to learn effectively.
My school district is in region 4. This region provides individuals with many opportunities for advancement in Long-Range Plan for Technology. Some examples of such opportunities are coordinating and providing training for statewide initiatives, providing alternative certification preparation (ACP) through distance education for 53 areas of certification, provides assistive technology training, develops web based applications targeting educators, and maintains expertise to assist schools and districts in network management, network design, Internet connectivity, and hardware and software support.
Blog Posting #1:Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administrati
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support:
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support could be summed up as a campus leadership team providing all the necessary support needed to both students and staff in regards to technology. Support such as providing on-going professional development to the staff to make certain that the staff is continuously kept up to date with our changing world of technology. Strong Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support will include developing a technology plan that supports the needs of the 21st century learner, create environments to enhance technological growth, offer various opportunities for students to use and learn from technology, i.e. distance learning, collaboration among students in other schools and eve other countries, incorporate technology into staff development, use data when making decision regarding the plan, and provide continuous professional development for staff to maintain a level of knowledge with all the changes that occurs with technology.
At my campus, we have a very technology savvy leadership team. Having this kind of leadership team gives us an advantage in that whenever there is a change or something new to learn regarding technology, they are excited about introducing the concept to the rest of the staff. Our leadership team ensures that they provide as many professional development needed to make certain that we are knowledgeable in technology and how to apply it in our classroom to provide our students with as many learning opportunities as possible regarding technology. Notable trends in this area will always remain that we love technology, specially our kids, so why not use this love to our advantage and apply it to our everyday instruction? We know that kids love the latest “new toy” out whether it is a smart phone, an iPad, kindle, mp3 players, etc. We could really build on that, specially knowing that as we follow trends in our technology world, it is always going to include some type of technology for advancement.
The one recommendation that I would suggest is to expose kids to technology as early on as possible. We should not wait until they have reached middle school or high school to expect them to be technology savvy if they haven’t had the proper exposure starting in elementary. An example would be that we could start using blogs for our elementary students instead of their traditional journal writing.
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support could be summed up as a campus leadership team providing all the necessary support needed to both students and staff in regards to technology. Support such as providing on-going professional development to the staff to make certain that the staff is continuously kept up to date with our changing world of technology. Strong Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support will include developing a technology plan that supports the needs of the 21st century learner, create environments to enhance technological growth, offer various opportunities for students to use and learn from technology, i.e. distance learning, collaboration among students in other schools and eve other countries, incorporate technology into staff development, use data when making decision regarding the plan, and provide continuous professional development for staff to maintain a level of knowledge with all the changes that occurs with technology.
At my campus, we have a very technology savvy leadership team. Having this kind of leadership team gives us an advantage in that whenever there is a change or something new to learn regarding technology, they are excited about introducing the concept to the rest of the staff. Our leadership team ensures that they provide as many professional development needed to make certain that we are knowledgeable in technology and how to apply it in our classroom to provide our students with as many learning opportunities as possible regarding technology. Notable trends in this area will always remain that we love technology, specially our kids, so why not use this love to our advantage and apply it to our everyday instruction? We know that kids love the latest “new toy” out whether it is a smart phone, an iPad, kindle, mp3 players, etc. We could really build on that, specially knowing that as we follow trends in our technology world, it is always going to include some type of technology for advancement.
The one recommendation that I would suggest is to expose kids to technology as early on as possible. We should not wait until they have reached middle school or high school to expect them to be technology savvy if they haven’t had the proper exposure starting in elementary. An example would be that we could start using blogs for our elementary students instead of their traditional journal writing.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Week 5 Final Reflections:
1. Lectures- During week two, I got to listen to 3 different school leaders being interviewed. The two that stand out the most are Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal of Rancho Isabella Elementary in Angleton ISD and Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent of Pasadena ISD. Dr. Briseno made a couple of key points during his interview, the first being to find out what exactly is the problem encountered in a school and what is the source of the problem. An example he gave was if a teacher came to him with a problem he/she is experiencing with a second grade class and their behavior, not necessarily academically, he will have that teacher collaborate with other teachers to try to find out what type of learners these students are and compare different strategies that work in other classes. Another statement that he said was to use different search engines, like Google, to find answers to questions you may have. Look at other individual’s researches and findings; don’t try to re-invent the wheel. “Others success can be your success” (Dr. Briseno).
Dr. Kirk Lewis has had the opportunity to be part of a brilliant program called “Expectation Graduation”. In this program, Pasadena ISD gets their 9th graders in classes in such a way, that it guarantees almost all students to graduate. With this program, teachers are able to look at specific data to work with issues that individual students struggle with. Like Dr. Briseno, Dr. Lewis also recommends that we look at data and research that others have done and figure out what we could apply to our district to help with certain similar issues. Even though every district is unique, we could always find some similar patterns to compare the two. One main concept that Dr. Lewis mentions stands out the most for me, “base your action research on something that is practical”. You want to research something that the outcome will benefit your campus and apply it directly to student learning to ensure student success.
2. Readings- The one reading that stands out for me the most, is the four critical tasks that one must perform when sharing my inquiry/action research plan with others. The four tasks are 1) Providing Background Information: in sharing my action research plan with my colleagues I must provide them with as much background knowledge as possible to set the premises of what and why the action research is taking place and how they too can be a part of it. 2) Sharing the Design of the Inquiry (Procedures, Data Collections, and Data Analysis): in this process, I will conduct formal and informal presentations with the involved participants to share the action research project and how they can help in collecting the necessary data. I will provide to them the necessary questionnaires, journals, literatures, strategies, etc. to help conduct the study. 3) Stating the Learning and Supporting the Statements with Data: it teaches us that we must actively look for literature that will support our findings and share with the involved participants. I must provide proof of why I state certain findings in order to have more credibility in my action research project. 4) Providing Concluding Thoughts: throughout this process, it is important to have periodic meeting to discuss the progress of the plan and disseminate our finding. Usually, our findings will lead to more research and not necessarily a “final” conclusion.
3. Searches- During the process of searching for an action research question, I considered and researched a few topics before finally choosing one. I considered some topics that affect some of our teachers at our campus and after careful examination I decided to pursue the topic of “what else can we do as educators to motivate our students”. After making my topic decision, I searched as many search engines as possible to find different strategies on how to motivate students in the classroom. This search process is on going, so I expect to learn something new everyday.
4. Assignments- The one assignment that definitely had my interest right from the beginning was creating my own blog. Never had I thought that I would have my own blog, I have to admit that I like it. At first, I was hesitant as to why I needed to have a blog and thought that it was going to take too much time and effort to keep up with it. After creating it and learning how to use the blog, it really is a great benefit for networking. If ever I have a question in regards to my action study, I get the chance to ask other classmates and get almost immediate responses. It is an extraordinary source of communication, especially in this day and age of technology.
5. Discussion Board- The discussion board is another great source of communication. Since we don’t have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our classmates, we use the discussion board to answer weekly questions and give one another feedback on our answers. We had the opportunity to talk about our topic of choice for our action research and got tons of information and feedback from my classmates. The discussion board is a great resource for immediate feedback and receiving classmate’s suggestions and recommendations.
6. Blogs- The blog is a great way to communicate with fellow colleagues and classmates. Having such a great source of communication at your fingertips is very helpful. It has come in handy when I have had to travel out of town and needed to get ahead on my assignments. I am able to get into my blog and seek the assistance of other classmates with questions I may have in regards to my assignments. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to get introduced into the world of “Blogs” during this Research course.
Dr. Kirk Lewis has had the opportunity to be part of a brilliant program called “Expectation Graduation”. In this program, Pasadena ISD gets their 9th graders in classes in such a way, that it guarantees almost all students to graduate. With this program, teachers are able to look at specific data to work with issues that individual students struggle with. Like Dr. Briseno, Dr. Lewis also recommends that we look at data and research that others have done and figure out what we could apply to our district to help with certain similar issues. Even though every district is unique, we could always find some similar patterns to compare the two. One main concept that Dr. Lewis mentions stands out the most for me, “base your action research on something that is practical”. You want to research something that the outcome will benefit your campus and apply it directly to student learning to ensure student success.
2. Readings- The one reading that stands out for me the most, is the four critical tasks that one must perform when sharing my inquiry/action research plan with others. The four tasks are 1) Providing Background Information: in sharing my action research plan with my colleagues I must provide them with as much background knowledge as possible to set the premises of what and why the action research is taking place and how they too can be a part of it. 2) Sharing the Design of the Inquiry (Procedures, Data Collections, and Data Analysis): in this process, I will conduct formal and informal presentations with the involved participants to share the action research project and how they can help in collecting the necessary data. I will provide to them the necessary questionnaires, journals, literatures, strategies, etc. to help conduct the study. 3) Stating the Learning and Supporting the Statements with Data: it teaches us that we must actively look for literature that will support our findings and share with the involved participants. I must provide proof of why I state certain findings in order to have more credibility in my action research project. 4) Providing Concluding Thoughts: throughout this process, it is important to have periodic meeting to discuss the progress of the plan and disseminate our finding. Usually, our findings will lead to more research and not necessarily a “final” conclusion.
3. Searches- During the process of searching for an action research question, I considered and researched a few topics before finally choosing one. I considered some topics that affect some of our teachers at our campus and after careful examination I decided to pursue the topic of “what else can we do as educators to motivate our students”. After making my topic decision, I searched as many search engines as possible to find different strategies on how to motivate students in the classroom. This search process is on going, so I expect to learn something new everyday.
4. Assignments- The one assignment that definitely had my interest right from the beginning was creating my own blog. Never had I thought that I would have my own blog, I have to admit that I like it. At first, I was hesitant as to why I needed to have a blog and thought that it was going to take too much time and effort to keep up with it. After creating it and learning how to use the blog, it really is a great benefit for networking. If ever I have a question in regards to my action study, I get the chance to ask other classmates and get almost immediate responses. It is an extraordinary source of communication, especially in this day and age of technology.
5. Discussion Board- The discussion board is another great source of communication. Since we don’t have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our classmates, we use the discussion board to answer weekly questions and give one another feedback on our answers. We had the opportunity to talk about our topic of choice for our action research and got tons of information and feedback from my classmates. The discussion board is a great resource for immediate feedback and receiving classmate’s suggestions and recommendations.
6. Blogs- The blog is a great way to communicate with fellow colleagues and classmates. Having such a great source of communication at your fingertips is very helpful. It has come in handy when I have had to travel out of town and needed to get ahead on my assignments. I am able to get into my blog and seek the assistance of other classmates with questions I may have in regards to my assignments. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to get introduced into the world of “Blogs” during this Research course.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Final Action Research Plan
After meeting with my site supervisor, we got some questions answered, but the plan remained the same as I originally posted. As soon as I can figure out how to post my plan as one of our classmates has posted, I'll attach it in the same matter. It is a lot easier to read :-)
Thank you all for your questions, suggestions and comments!!! I REALLY appreciate it!
Wish you all good luck with your Action Research Project!
Thank you all for your questions, suggestions and comments!!! I REALLY appreciate it!
Wish you all good luck with your Action Research Project!
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