EDET 636 Impact of Technology

How is Qualitative Research a good lens through which to view classroom research?  As defined above, qualitative research seems like it could be a good lens to view classroom research because of the following reasons: The researcher observes what people do and say.  As teachers, we do this every day in the classroom with our students.  The researcher collects information by interviewing individuals (rather than surveys and experiments).  Teacher have daily contact with their students and can set up a routine time to meet with students and to talk about the research. The research is exploratory and open-ended.  As the research evolves, it might lead to a different focus question.   Qualitative research is not about surveys and experiments, this research wants to know about the how and why.  Here is an example from Merriam.  "Rather than finding out how many retired folks take on...

After reading through everyone's blog this week, I learned that we are all in different places in our experience with using technology.   We all integrate technology in different ways but are also all very willing to learn and adapt as the course evolves.  A lot of us already teach and then reflect on our lesson/unit and think about ways we can improve it.   Essentially this is one aspect of classroom research that we have been doing all along.   I really like the quote from Melissa: "students learning needs are different and many teachers are falling short".  I agree with this very much.  Technology changes so quickly and it is hard for schools to keep up with the newest.  It is also very hard to find the time to learn about technology if the time is not provided by the school.  I am looking forward to working with and reading the blogs of the other high school teachers in this course.  I hope that we can all be resources for each ...

What is classroom research and how can it improve technology integration in my classroom? Classroom research is "characterized as research that is done by teachers for themselves.”  (Mertler, 6)  The four steps for classroom research as outlined by Mertler are: Identifying an area of focus Collecting data Analyzing and interpreting the data Developing a plan of action The first step to me seems like it will be the hardest.  I have been thinking about an area of focus that I would like to explore, but I have not come up with anything as of yet.  I am however, looking forward to collecting and analyzing the data that I am able to collect in my classroom.  Some of the ways I will collect data include; writing a "journal, diaries, notes, audio and videotape recordings, surveys, attitude scales, pictures and so on.”  (Pg. 17 McNiff)  I also think some sort of informal pre and post questionnaire with the students will be valuable i...