Action+Research+Plan

My action research plan involves the viability of using grouping techniques when using computers to accomplish computer-oriented end-products.Do students work best when they can look to other students to help them with technology and content? Does grouping in this setting foster collaboration and cooperation? Will discipline issues decrease as student engagement increases? This study would not include word processor tasks. Our district does not have a 1:1 computer student ratio. There is not a date set for this to happen in the technology plan. We have a set number of computers for the high school to use. If grouping is a viable option, this would allow more teachers to use the computers at the same time. It would also allow teachers to use them more frequently. This research would benefit my campus. Students would be using their computer time in the most efficient way, teachers would use the computers in the most efficient way, and administrators would know that teachers can still use technology even without a 1:1 ratio. This research is not to negate the goal of the 1:1 ratio, it is to give teachers more options until that goal is reached. However, even when that goal is reached, there may still be venues where grouping is preferable.

This is my final draft of my action research plan: Goals: The goal of this action research plan is to determine the viability of grouping when using computers to develop computer-generated end products. Schools that do not have 1:1 computer student ratios must learn to use the computers that exist in the most productive manner. This inquiry is to address the issue of using grouping to allow more teachers to have access to computers at any given time. Using grouping not only allows more students to use the computers at one time, it should also foster a sense of collaboration and cooperation among students. The students also have an opportunity to learn from one another. This inquiry will also help the district in determining an appropriate time line for acquiring a 1:1 ratio. Activities: The activities that will be involved in this inquiry will be done with the students in their groups and then repeated as individual assignments. Students will use the internet tools animoto and tabblo to create end products for specific literary works. The first assignment will be done as a group and then with slight variations, as an individual project. They will also use a power point to create a grammar lesson as a group and then, using a different grammar lesson, as an individual. Resources and research tools needed for data gathering: During the time period of this research, students will be placed in specific groups for each group assignment. Students will be carefully monitored to see that collaboration and cooperation are taking place. When students are working individually, the same type of monitoring will take place. The end products that are created will be viewed by the teacher and other students through the use of a Smart Board. Students will be allowed to express opinions about other group’s/individual’s work via a comment card. Timeline for completion or implementation of activities: This research project will be conducted over a period of two six weeks. Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan: Melissa Eudy is responsible for the implementation of this plan. The librarian will help with access to the computers. Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives: The process for monitoring achievement will involve receiving an actual end product that has met the criteria given in class. It will also involve monitoring of students time usage and discipline habits. Student feedback will also be included in this monitoring process. Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study: An appropriate grading rubric will be used to assess the individual end products. This grade will not only involve creativity, but also understanding of the story/grammar phrase. The end-product is to be of high quality while fulfilling all requirements of the academic areas addressed. Observation will also be used as an assessment instrument. Groups will be expected to engage all members and to use the computer efficiently and appropriately. Members will be expected to help each other and work together to solve any disagreements that may arise, Individuals will also be expected to use the computer efficiently and appropriately and problem-solve. Discipline issues will be monitored to help determine if students are engaged in learning. A student poll will be used to obtain student feedback about their learning experience and working preferences. They will be asked 4 questions. 1. How well did your group work together? 2. In your opinion, did you like the group setting? Why or why not? 3. Was the group effective in cooperating and solving problems? 4. How would you prefer to work when creating end products?