This week, I spoke with my site supervisor (Mr. Paul Black) to review and discuss possible challenges and solutions to my action research project/plan. Mr. Black thought of challenges that I had not thought of on my own - once again proving how important involving others is to action research! Here are the potential challenges and solutions:
Challenge #1: Students using the devices in English class only (where the English teachers will be monitoring their usage) and not in any other class. Students might want to use their devices in other classes, but will not be allowed. Other classroom teachers will not be responsible to monitor these devices as it is to benefit (at this time) the students' English curriculum/grades. Talking with the students to make them aware of the rules and having students and parents sign a "Supplemental Resource Usage" contract and permission slip will help reduce unauthorized usage.
Challenge #2: Number of student participation. It might seem easier to allow only a certain number of students per class for results purposes; however, to be fair and equal to all students, the device-usage will be open to all students.
Challenge #3: Monitoring the students using their devices. English teachers will be responsible to do this for the participating students in their classes, but the more students that participate, the more monitoring will need to be done by the teachers. With this challenge, I may be able to "step-in" and help the teachers (as time permits).
Challenge #4: Gathering data. Reviewing grades will be only a small part in gathering data regarding the results of this project. Creating a survey will be extremely important and large part of gathering the type of data I am looking for. The surveys and questionnaires will be broken down into categories (i.e.: reaction, usefulness, etc.) and need to be written very carefully.
Challenge #5: Students who have devices verus those who do not. Although most students have access to a device (such as an iPhone), some students do not own one (or are not allowed to bring it to school). For now, only students who have one can participate. As written in the permission slip and contract, if the student loses their device or gets it taken away, they will only have access to the paper novel. This project does not ensure that student can and will bring their devices to school. The devices are only supplemental resources and ALL students (participating or not) will be given a paper novel in their English classrooms.
I like that you will be including a signed permission slip/contract with the students using technology devices. This will give more credibility and respect to your collection of data. Also, developing a survey broken up by categories is a good idea. You may want to include a section on possible barriers students encountered such as ability to print, power-up, or internet access at school.
ReplyDeleteYou had a very informative conference with your site supervisor. I have thought of some challenges that I might face, but I am anticipating more that may arrive without my forethought. So, I need to be prepared and ready to go with the flow. I need to remind myself that our plan is a living document that can be revised and in education we must stay flexible.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great research topic. Yesterday I observed an ELA classroom in Corpus Christi. The teacher was allowing her students to use their cellphones for "Live Audience Polling." All of the students were very engaged in the learning as they were entering their answers via text messages!