Assignment # 5 Reflection on having taken EDLD 5301................

This course has proven to be quite the experience in the making. Not only did this course require thorough reading of the text, viewing of video lectures and interviews, participation of discussion boards and the ever resourceful blogging procedures, but most importantly, but as a novice research practitioner, it drove me to think in terms of the subject matter which was stressful at times, but once broken down manageable. I've been employed by Pasadena ISD for almost 10 years, and I've only recently found out that our Districts Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis who has held that position for the past 5 years is in fact a Lamar University Alumni. I must admit that I was awe-stricken and ecstatic to see that our superintendent achieved his Doctorate in Philosophy online but most importantly through the same program that I am taking part of. If Dr. Lewis could achieve such accolades, well then so could I. Dr. Lewis, best summarized his interview responses as concentrating on what is important and practical to the researcher.. With this in mind, students will be greatly appreciated and value the work and effort that is being put forth. I must be honest in saying that the textbook reading selections at times were pretty dry and hard to digest. So I often found myself having to read the selections repeatedly and out loud to myself. As for the lectures, Dr. Arturburry and Dr. Jenkins did a fine job in presenting the material on a weekly basis. I understand it was no easy feat trying to incorporate administrators views on research to that of Educational Technology. So I am grateful for both the professors and the instructional assistant Creighton Gann with the grading process. As for the assignment and activities, I would like to reflect by saying that the word writing intensive comes to mind. After having taken EDLD 5306 and EDLD-5301, I've come to realize that the program should require the students to take the Analytical section of the GRE rather than the quantitative. Assignments were very clear and forthright as were EDLD- 5306. I must admit that they were similar in nature, therefore, they weren't as difficult to navigate through. It definitely required higher order thinking skills and clear and articulate writing of thoughts and ideas on hard paper format. Discussion board posts and replies I must say are extremely helpful and resourceful when I was running on fumes. This provides an excellent alternative to finding out a solution if needed. Nine times out of ten, other students had similar questions or doubts and discussions boards provided a quick and easy fix to my solution. Plus it was uplifting to see that other people agreed with your way of thinking. Some responses really were outstanding and extremely well put together. Posting blog responses were also a great way to spread the word and express yourself to a greater audience. In this particular case, I don't have many followers, but I have seen the effectiveness of blogging in my previous class. I have started a blog for my Spanish classes and Intend to use the account to its fullest extent. I am looking forward to and plan to utilize any and all information and strategies learned throughout the 10 weeks of the educational program. My action research project will concentrate on two main factors 1. Staff Development: In what ways can increased technological based professional development improve the use of technology within classrooms across Sam Rayburn High School? and 2. Curriculum Development: In what ways can consistent educator cross-curricular use of technology in classrooms impact students leaning development across Sam Rayburn High School? So with this in mind, I will take the challenge that hope that I come out victorious in the process since students educational growth and development is our ultimate concern. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and thanks for all your support and undivided time.

Works Cited:
Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD Superintendent, Lamar University Week 2 Video Interviews.

8-08-10 Webcam Teleconference Reflection..........

Todays webcam teleconference, was very helpful and a possible lifesaver in my case. This time around there were not as many students logged in, but once again, the central theme being discussed was regarding our Action Based Research Program. Dr. Abernathy was great as usual in answering and clearing any uncertainties we had throughout our courses development.

Site Mentor Preliminary Comments on Action Based Research Project...............

My site supervisor suggested that I may have to decrease the amount of teachers who participate in the action based research process. If I should decide to keep it the way it is, I can probably have Department Heads assist me in collecting data. It would be at the discretion of the department heads and I would obviously have to talk to them or contact them once the school year begins. With the decrease and budget cuts in position, I should hopefully get final numbers in terms of returning campus educators.
He also suggested for me to make sure that any websites or web 2.0 tools that I use throughout the research process are available on campus due to the districts strict filtering of web content.

He thought that communicating via email and or blogs and wikis were great methods of utilizing technology for a greater purpose. He also liked the idea of investigating whether teacher use of technology in the classroom, positively affected students in wanting to pursue a technologically based career post high school studies. He also suggested that surveys whether they be online or paper format would be a great way to collect data.

Over all, my site mentor thought that the action research project was well organized and that ultimately there would be some greater good in resulting from the process. This year he will the administrator over technology at our campus, so hopefully and god willingly, teacher cooperation will not be an issue and the project can be a success. He advised for me to be patient, take deep breaths and just soak it all in. At times, it may not go the way that Its intended, but in the long run, everything falls into place.

Reflection on 7-31-10 Web Teleconference............

Well as for this particular webcam teleconference, I unfortunately had connection issues. I was having isues connecting to the webcam teleconference. But I presume that the central topic being discussed was our Action Research Project and other similar topics discussed last time we met on 7-23-10.

Action Reseach Plan

The following is the link to a PDF converted file of my Action Research plan.

http://ladrondecorazones713.wikispaces.com/file/view/Action_Research_Plan_for_blogpost.pdf

Feel free to post any comments if you feel necessary.

Reflection on thoughts and Ideas Learned in Week 2....

This assignment by far required the most work and time to complete. After having read the 9 passions in Chapter 2 from the Dana text, the reader can clearly see various examples of action research at work. I would like to compare Action research to that of a perfectly oiled machine in which many parts are required to function as 1 in unison to get from point A to Point B. This so called machine seems to get the job done almost effortlessly. In the case of us educators, we actually need the practice and all it takes is a combination of curiosity with a dab of initiative to get the machine rolling. Every administrator at one point in time, was inquisitively curious which brought them to the crossroad of action research. It is because of their wonderings that the individuals referenced in the assignment, have changed the lives of students in a positive manner.

Reflection on 7-23-10 Webcam Teleconference.......

On 7-23-10 Dr. Abernathy was kind enough to answer any trouble shooting questions that students may have had on their mind. Topics ranged from the TK20 program/software that well will have to purchase as our program develops to questions or doubts we may have had regarding our action research project that is currently being discussed in EDLD 5301. But for the most part, there were about 5 students successfully connected and another 10 to 15 students who were on the waiting list.