Action+Research+Plan

Using Technology to Change the way we Teach My study will be done in a new school, Byron Nelson High School located in Trophy Club, Texas. I am doing the study during an exciting time in our school district. Over the past fifteen years I have seen a shift of technology and how it used in the classroom. Instead of a novelty it is used in the daily education of our students. For the first time in our history the school is giving netbooks to our students. In some cases it will be the first time students will have the tools to use at home instead of just at school. I am currently a technology teacher at our high school. However, in the past two years I have been one of the teachers creating a broadcast media class for our students, community, and school. Due to the newness of the school there are many new ideas being shaped by our students and staff. We have created new learning environments that have not been tried at our sister school, Northwest. Also, due to the leadership of our principal we are learning together to shape a “New Breed of Cats” for the 21st century school. Our school district decided to a one to one computer in classroom for students from 6th to 12th grade. Teachers were faced with very few printers and only a set of books for the classroom. Also, trying to find new ways to structure the classroom and give out the needed information to the students. Students had to learn how to turn in assignments online and use the internet as a tool for learning. Through the use of survey’s from teachers and students I have collected data over the past two years to help evaluate the new use of technology in the classroom.

The objective of my action research plan is to find new methods to present and receive data from students and teachers. I will be looking at the following: Moodle is a tool that can be used for teachers and students. Teachers can include lessons, quizzes, and turn in slots for each lesson. The students can have lessons at their fingertips, results of their quizzes when they get done, and a clear time when they turned in their lessons.
 * 1) Moodle/Netschool

Flipping is a new technique that is being used around many schools. First, the teacher video tapes or used power points to present the lesson and stores it online. Second, the homework is done in class, giving the students the teacher support in their lesson. Finally, students and teachers get to enjoy their lessons together.
 * 1) Flipping the classroom
 * 1) How to use video in the classroom- Students love to create videos. Using this concept student’s will begin to use video to present information through speeches, skits, and pictures. Through the use of animoto or iMovie students will share information to other students in a fun and exciting way.

Instead of using quizzes and tests students will be graded on a rubric scale. This scale will present the student the ability to gage their ability and knowledge. Also, it will allow the teacher to check for understanding.
 * 1) How to use rubrics for students projects

Students and teachers will be learning new “free” online tools to help them create fun and exciting projects. From creating an online folders using live binders to a short video using animato students will begin to use their knowledge of a subject to build a presentation.
 * 1) How to use Web 2.0 tools in the classroom

Students will be introduced to the jobs for broadcasting through online announcements for the school. Using tools such as the IMac, cameras, and editing software students will broadcast the school “news” to everyone in the school and community.
 * 1) Creating an School Broadcasting

Through the use of many articles and websites I have come up with a plan of action. With the help of all the tools students and teachers will have a better chance of understanding of the education process and higher level thinking skills. With the help of my plc, teachers, principal, and students we are coming up with a new way of educating using technology.(THIS NEEDS MORE)

Through the use of emails, online publications, social media, and the bcbc broadcasting we will learn how to create new ideas and put them into reality. As we are learning in this new process one of our biggest advantages is that we can video or take pictures of our progress. Also, through the use of surveys and evaluating the results we can see how we are reaching our goals.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">With the use of PLC we can sit down and create an outline of the how, what, and when for each project and strategy. By creating a timeline we can set aside money used in our budget to be used for different projects and tools that may be needed.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">One of the biggest strategies I have learned from my course work is to evaluate your lesson progress. After each part of the project has been done I have students and teachers that I have worked with to evaluate what we have done. This allows me to look at the lesson and decide what to keep the same or what to change for the next year. To make sure I am hitting all the angles with the new technology that we are trying to use in the classroom.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Through my years in education I have always found the biggest problem is communicating what is going on in our programs. Another problem is that every student learns at a different pace, but we all expect them to start and take a test at the same time. By creating a program in which the presentation can be given at anytime or anyplace students have the ability to access their source of information. Having a program that is set up and the expectation given at all points of learning allow students and teachers to have a bigger hand in the end results. Instead of just taking a multiple choice test at the end of year, how about using a rubric and different projects to present the material. Allowing students to have choices in their education process allows them to choose what type of learning style fits them better. Some students do like the traditional quizzes and test system. However, most want to produce something and show it off after they have it finished. Also, looking in a normal overcrowded classroom in the public education field you have to find ways to engage all learners. Creating open-ended lessons that will allow all students to be successful.