EDLD 5301 - Week 2 Reflection

Ofter completing this weeks assignment I do think I have a much better understanding of Action Research as it pertains to the educational environment. With the explanation of the narrowed focus sections in Chapter 2 of the Dana text I was able to begin a narrowing down process for my action research topic. Although the entire course, and especially this text is more focused on administrators and students preparing to be principals, I do feel that I can get SOME useful information from the readings. It would however be more helpful if the content at some point in time had some focus on technology since that is what I'm seeking a degree in, and not principalship.

I am still in a really vague era when it comes to exactly what I want to do for my project, and what will benefit me, my school, and my district the most.

I was unable to meet with my site director in person this past week, but am planning on getting together with her in the following week to help pinpoint my research plan and find a more narrowed focus. I know I want to research the effectiveness and implementation process for a blended learning classroom. The thought of a classroom that is part face-to-face instruction and part eInstruction is intriguing to me. I really feel that it can be a win-win situation for not only students, but for educators as well. I want to know what I need to do to create an effective blended learning environment in my schools, and eventually district.

Web Conference Reflection - Research 5301-Week 2

I was unable to attend the Web Conference for this week. The conferences are normally on Thursday evenings and I have a standing commitment on Thursday evenings from 7-10 which makes it difficult for me to have the opportunity to participate in these conferences. I would hope that throughout the program they will vary the evenings that they offer the web conferences so that others might have a chance to attend.
I did watch the recorded version. After viewing the conference I feel that, for me anyways, it wasn't an effective conference. They spent the majority of the first part discussing the switch to TK20. I had not been informed via email as many others had about the switch. It seems that the program will basically do the same thing that the ePortfolio wiki we created in EDLD5306 will do. I'll wait until further information before making the $100 purchase.

The rest of the conference was mainly about the topics that students had chosen for the action research project. Not having an opportunity to participate live, I didn't get much from that aspect of the conference. There were, however, a few topics that did benefit me a little. There were a few questions I had that were answered. Overall, this week the conference was not of much assistance to me. Really hoping that I get a chance to participate at some point, either a change of date, added conference date, or a canceled Thursday night appointment. If nothing else it seems to help with the comrade of the cohort group. I could use that to help me navigate the very confusing course outline and curriculum.