How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs EDLD 5301 ET8041

An important preliminary aspect of research is determining what others have to say about a particular topic.  Blogs can serve as a tool to solicit various viewpoints on a research topic or to gain feedback from others.   In this way, blogs are used to collect data that could prove important to the final research project.  This writing procedure allows you to build upon data and information over a period of time and allows you to share your inquiry as it unfolds with persons in and outside of the district.  This type sharing is important for collaboration with persons you might not otherwise come in contact with throughout the scope of your research.  “Hence, blogging can be a wonderful way to share your research with colleagues that are 1,000 miles or more from your school” (Dana, 2009, p. 150).

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

What I've Learned About Action Research EDLD 5301 ET8041

Educators are constantly flooded with data and research throughout their careers.  Much time is wasted as administrators try to determine what information to keep and what information to discard.  Action research can offer a solution for this dilemma.  This type research actually allows individuals to look at their own specific practices and identify prospective areas of concern that are relevant for growth.  The data needed for action research is more readily available and accessible because much of the information is local and easily attainable.  This tool allows the researcher to take ownership of the process necessary to gain needed knowledge that lends to more successful learning. 

The process of action research includes exploring, reviewing and collection.  It involves change based on findings and sharing with others to advance improvements.  Action research is beneficial for professional development and growth.  "By cultivating this inquiry stance toward practice, principals and teachers play a critical role in enhancing their own professional growth and ultimately the experience of schooling for children" (Dana, 2009, p. 11).  It promotes a type of reflection needed in order to improve current processes. 

This type inquiry is not only beneficial for improving regular school day processes but can also help shape best practices in our afterschool programs.    There are so many options available for afterschool time.  Action research can actually help narrow some of these choices by identifying what has proven to be most beneficial so that these experiences provide the most efficient and effective use of time for our students.

In summary, through action research, we as educators through our own expertise possess the necessary tools needed to answer questions and find solutions to problems that will improve student learning environments. 

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

All the things I learned about technology and myself

I learned so much from this course.  Each assignment offered a wealth of information from the Long Range Technology plan to the district technology plans.  I’ve been in the district for almost 10 years and I was not familiar with the goals of our technology department and their job responsibilities.  I realize now that those individuals are necessary to the future of our children if we want to provide them with meaningful learning opportunities that will help them succeed in the 21^st Century environments.  I realize that technology is not optional but necessary and more than anything, I realized that I needed to become more current with the uses of technology in my professional and personal life.  I didn’t realize that I was so far behind our generation of students in terms of the skills that they possessed.  I can now appreciate their knowledge and experience that they have to offer as it relates to technology.  I am more open to their opinions and suggestions and am less frightened of allowing them to perform in leading roles.  I feel that I am much more informed about the way our students think and feel in classroom environments and I know that it will help me to improve in my role as an afterschool director. 

Outcomes and Preventions

Although I purchased my books way ahead of schedule including the APA manual for my use in formatting my writing assignments, I felt I could not get a clear understanding of how to format references.  I read the book.  I accessed information on the internet.  I even consulted with persons who were going through doctorial programs and supposedly familiar with the styles.  On each assignment, points were deducted from my score because I had errors in APA usage.  I feel that I needed to have actual corrections listed that addressed the errors I kept making so that I could actually see the proper formats that should have been used.  Prior to submitting my assignments I would consult with students that were also using the manual to conduct their research.  It was always disappointing when I realized that I still did not clearly understand the necessary format to be used to complete my assignments.

My success as it relates to my current course

Surprisingly, I was able to successfully carry out my course assignments.  In the beginning and even now, I doubted my ability because I was so far behind in my knowledge about current technology.  It was a little embarrassing for me in that years ago I was a great programmer and thought that I was more advanced than others in my understanding of technology.   I prayed and tried not to reflect on negative thoughts that I might have gotten myself into something that could not be accomplished.  So far, I have made A’s on each of my assignment which was a boost to my confidence level.  I realized that I was able to learn and apply the knowledge through the various projects that were assigned.  The assignments were overwhelming and they took me an awfully long time to complete but after each assignment, I felt more confident that I would be able to complete future assignments.  Hopefully, this transformation of my thinking will continue in future courses to come.

How my outcomes are relevant to me

My duty is to bring innovative programming to students.  As I learned in this course, transitioning students into 21^st century learning environments is not an option for schools including afterschool but it is something that is very necessary to move our future leaders further towards successful careers.  I learned that 21^st century learning environments are crucial components for the success of our current society and future economy.   I did not realize just how much my current position related to accomplishing this task of transitioning ancient educational environments into new 21^st Century environments.  I realized that I had access to resources for technology that fit within my budgets.  I had access to knowledge of other administrators that could help me achieve the tasks needed in moving my programs in the right direction.  I also knew that the information provided in the classes would prove to be very beneficial for me as was apparent towards closure of this course.

How the vision of my outcomes contradicted actual outcomes

The outcomes that were originally envisioned for this course included a more programmatic approach to technology.  I had not a clear understanding of Educational Technology.  Based on my prior technology experience many years ago, I was expecting to participate in a lot of problem solving in regards to coding and decoding and hardware issues in the field of technology.  I thought that the assignments would include some type of programming or troubleshooting problems.  Fortunately, I learned much more than I expected.  Although, it was totally different than what was imagined, it was apparent that the information gained was so relevant and beneficial in my daily job duties as the afterschool site coordinator.   I never expected to learn all that I have in this course and each day, I feel so fortunate that I made the choice to enroll in this program.  I look forward to many more learning experiences that will help me to be a leader in this field.