My First Digital Story

As part of my Multimedia and Video class (EDLD 5363), I was asked to create a digital story. It was actually my first one to make, though I have worked with several students making their own digital stories. I enjoyed making this video more than I thought I would, especially considering I didn't feel like I had anything particularly interesting to say. It turns out this story is actually quite special to me, though I didn't know it at first.

Action Research Plan

My original action research idea involved the reasons that teachers do not integrate technology as frequently or as seamlessly into curriculum as they should. However, I have decided to change my action research topic to something more fitting in the new position I am taking on. Being new to two different campuses, and an Instructional Technology Specialist with no experience on record (in this particular position), I can imagine that some teachers may not fully trust me initially. This can be a hurtful situation to both teachers and students if my guidance and suggestions are not taken seriously. I have decided to complete action research on the following question: How can I build trusting relationships with teachers so they will have confidence in my ability as a new Instructional Technology Specialist? I plan to pursue my original wondering about why teachers are not using more technology with today's digital native students at a later time. Establishing a sense of community with the new staff members I will be working with seemed like a greater priority right now.

My current action research plan on building relationships:

Any comments, feedback, or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Blogging in Education

The uses of a blog in education are limitless. There are countless ways to incorporate a blog into daily classroom activities that support curriculum objectives. However, blogs are not only useful in the classroom setting to improve student achievement. Educational leaders can also use blogs to enhance the overall school environment which will translate to success for all students. Principals can incorportate blogs as an extension of their office, much like teachers' classroom blogs are extensions of their classrooms. Principal or other school leaders can also use blogs to facilitate the reflective process of action research.

Action Research

I have learned quite a bit about action research through this week's readings. Action research is a powerful way to tackle pressing school issues in an individual way. No schools are created equal, and individual factors must be considered to determine the best course of action to take to achieve school improvement. Administrative inquiry or action research is an excellent way to address any problem within the school environment. By utilizng relevant teachers and other school staff, action research allows the very individuals familiar with the problem to help determine the best solution. With this model comes several benefits. First of all, the staff members are able to take ownership of the process to find a solution. Because they are part of the solution they will fully implement it at the end of the action research process. Additionally, a sense of teamwork and camaraderie will emerge from participating in this process, an important trait for a successful school.


Through what I have learned about action research, I can clearly see a use for it in the new position I have recently taken Starting this fall, I will be moving from the classroom to an Instructional Technology Specialist position that works with two campuses. This new position charges me with the responsibility to increase technology integration to support curriculum objectives. Technology is not integrated as seamlessly or frequently as it should be, especially with our digital native students expecting to use technology to learn. Action research is an ideal way for me to investigate the reasons that technology is not utilized as often as it could be. By addressing the concerns revealed through action research process, I will more easily be able to address them in an efficient and successful way.