Setting the Foundation
There has been a continual problem with parents not knowing what their children are learning in class, and many students are not completing homework that is assigned. Dallas ISD wants to improve the communication between schools and families. There is a need to increase the usage of technology inside and out of the classroom, and there needs to be additional resources to help the children with limited funds. The implementation of online classes along with teacher websites will help with these problem areas and more.
Analyzing Data
The data will be derived from the testing data and informational questionnaires. I will compare the two sample sizes to determine an outcome. The surveys will be combined with the testing variances, and I will then be able to observe a positive or negative result. Data is currently being compiled within our district and other sources. This will enable more information to help determine the size and features that the class will offer. The information from other schools will assist in motivating the staff to support the idea of providing online classes.
Deeper Understanding
There are many other schools that already use online classes, so I will be able to analyze their successes or failures for my site’s amendments. The SBDM would be a great source to receive information on how transform the site. It is their best interest for a successful project since they need to get the staff to create more sites and classes after the school year. Students will be a great source for information as well since they are the primary stakeholders in the project.
Engage in Self-Reflection
Self-reflection will be a continuing act. Throughout the school year, I will have to amend the online class and acquire the data necessary for the analysis. Some questions I would ask myself include:
· Are the students motivated and engaged for the duration of the study?
· Is the online class reflective of what is being taught in class?
· Will I have enough data and samples to accurately gauge an outcome?
· Are my skills increasing to the point that I can help other teachers implement this?
· Is the site appealing enough for continued interest from all stakeholders?
Exploring Problematic Patterns
There are many skills and resources necessary for implementation of the project proposed. Both of these necessities must be addressed in order for success.
Teachers are required to attend a Moodle class in order to receive their site. After the training, teachers must possess some technical skills to build an effective online class and teacher website. Time management is another critical skill. The online class requires constant monitoring and updating to ensure proper usage.
The primary resource needed for implementation of the project is the availability of server space to hold all of the Moodle files. It is also imperative that the server is reliable to prevent any downtime for the students’ access. The students will need to have availability of a computer with Internet access in order to access the site.
Determining Direction
As I launch and promote the online class to the students and parents, I need to keep in mind the actual research question. I am attempting to determine the effectiveness of the site on our campus. Therefore, I will not require everyone to log on to the site. Data needs to be gathered on a continual basis in order to make a qualified determination. I have monitored the site for any downtime, and there have not been any technological failures since I have created the site. An excel spreadsheet has already been created to track all students, not just those in the samples. The gain of students is measured in Dallas by a Classroom Effectiveness Index.
Taking Action
I will submit the initial report of the plan to the SBDM in September. The SBDM will at that time create a subcommittee to handle the new technology projects at the school. This subcommittee will analyze the online class and review the data when it comes available after each major testing event. At the end of the year, a summative report will be issued to the whole SBDM, so they may determine the next course of action, whether it may be continue the sample longer, create staff development, or derive another option.
Sustain Improvement
The appropriate use of online classes by both the educators and students will improve the overall learning environment of the school. The findings should encourage others to create web pages and online classes for the benefit of their students. Any negative aspects found in the summative report will be used to correct the project, so it will become better used and more productive in the following years. The findings from the report and the skills that I learned will assist in the staff development in the Spring; this will enable other teachers to work on the sites during the Summer, in preparation for the next school year.
