Action Research Project
Process Overview
Web Based Staff Development
How does the process of web based online staff development help teachers continue to learn and grow, and in what role can the technology leaders play a role in facilitating this process.
GOAL: Implements and test the use of online based staff development
| OUTCOMES | ACTIVITIES | RESOURCES / RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED | RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES | TIME LINE | Benchmarks/ Assessments | Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments |
| Initial training to new web system | Provide a training session with examples of how to use the new web system | New eChalk system will be put into place in early August. I will train research group of teachers and administrators in computer lab. | I will provide training. IT department for getting eChalk online | 8/15 | Interview research group and gather feedback | Further training if needed |
| Train administration on creating staff development content for site | Work one on one with administration to create content | Scanner, Video, Administrative support, previous staff development documents | I will work with select administration to help them create their training documents and possible quiz | 8/24 | Observation and Interview with administration to gather their thoughts of using the system. | Will adjust one-on-one training if needed. |
| Teachers will use online staff development section | Work with teachers to use the online staff development system to go through developed training. | Teacher computer and internet connectivity | I will answer any questions the teachers may have in using the online staff development system. | 9/1 | Interview and send surveys to teachers to see how they liked the online staff development system | Will work with both administrators and teachers to answer questions in order to continue. |
| Final meeting with test group | Have an overall group discussion on how the test environment went. | Discuss in library | Teachers, Administration and I will all discuss topic. | 9/3 | Overall Survey | If initial test went well, open to larger group or test using it throughout the year with entire staff. |
- SETTING THE FOUNDATION – With the new implementation of eChalk, a web hosting solution, the idea of expanding staff development to include alternative options than staff meetings should be considered. This can increase staff development and include alternative and open scheduled training instead of mandatory in person staff meetings in which all teachers are unable to attend.
- ANALYZING DATA – Using Internet based research, observations, interviews with individuals from other districts I hope to find and implement best practice ideas for staff development from a web interface.
- DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING – During this process I will interview individuals taking part in the initial testing process and individuals from other districts who use online staff development options. In addition I will research online schools and topics covering online staff development.
- ENGAGE IN SELF_REFLECTION – Based on interviews, research and observation I will take time to reflect on the benefits and disadvantages of web based staff development and look at possible changes that might need to be added to the project. Possible questions for reflection might be:
- Do we have all the available resources with eChalk to do an online staff development system?
- Will there be enough of a benefit to a majority of the staff and administration to have an online option for staff development.
- Can the administration successfully complete training documentation or will other staff have to create the training documentation.
- EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS – Throughout the project I will continue to interview individuals who are involved in the project to gain an understanding of problems that may arise and what possible solutions could be put into place.
- DETERMINING DIRECTION – The Project will begin after August 5th, once eChalk is put into place. This will enable me to create a training program to have ready by mid August that will allow me to train administration and staff to use the new site, and to offer a training course for administration to create a staff development lesson for the teachers to access. I will assist administration in their creating their staff training information and work with teachers to help them use what content was created. Interviews will take place throughout the project. A final open discuss will be used to help decide the continuation of a staff development process like this.
- TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT – Those involved in the project will be part of the committee to help develop online staff development for the school. After the initial testing with the group a larger or school wide group may be tested. Those on the committee will work with individuals and observe how the concept takes place. Meeting every 3 months we will discuss observation and go over notes that we share via online groups that are developed in the new web system.
- SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT – Upon conclusion of the project, information will be shared with staff and administrators on the results of how the training system was put into place. Such information may include number of online staff training documents accessed, videos available and watched, and quizzes taken.
{ 8 } Comments