Fusing Learning with Technology
Action Research
Mertler (2020) gives us a list of what action research is and what it is not. In a nutshell, action research is a process that is completed by educators that focuses on a problem or issue that they are facing directly in their profession. It is not broad research about a generic topic, but specific research on a very specific problem or issue. Action research is a unique type of research because the researcher is very connected to the topic and in the outcome of the results as opposed to regular research where the researcher may be more disconnected.
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The uniqueness of action research is what led to a high level of interest for me. I was able to focus on a very specific topic that I am facing in my current role as our District Technology Integration Specialist and that fit into my Innovation Plan. My action research focuses on how to help motivate teachers in my district to want to learn more about how to infuse technology in their classrooms.
The first step of action research is planning. In this stage I created an outline to assist as I proceeded into the next stages of action research. In this outline, I limited my topic. explained the purpose of my study, stated my research question and design, discussed data that would be collected and the topic of the literature review. To view the entire action research outline, click here.
After completing my outline, it was time to review the research. The focus on this literature review was to research how to motivate teachers to want to learn how to incorporate technology into their classrooms. The literature review included a variety of reports, dissertations, books, and journal articles over the topic from the past twenty years.
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To view the literature review, click here.
This action research plan specifies the steps that I, as the researcher, will take in the action research process. Teachers will volunteer to be part of a professional learning cohort that will last for one school year. In that cohort, they will choose from a list of technology tools that they would like to learn about and implement in their classrooms. There will be surveys and reflections throughout the cohort and at the end, changes will be made to the program as needed before the next cohort begins the next school year.
To view the entire Action Research Plan, click here.
At the end of each course in this program, we are asked to reflect on our work and learning within the course. I write a blog post with that reflection and other things from the course. My Contribution to My Learning Environment blog post can be found here.
Reference
Mertler, C. A. (2019). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (Sixth edition). SAGE.