As I reflect on what I have learned in EDRS 8900, Applied Research, I realize that I can use most everything we studied to become a better technology coach, helping others identify best-practices in research and reach their instructional goals to improve student learning. I was glad that I was able to center my research around using technology in the classroom. In my study, I focused on using a Wiki class page to incorporate numerous Web 2.0 tools. Many of the students were unsure at first about how they would like the high technology book study, but when all was said and done, the vast majority enjoyed the experience and came to prefer this method of instruction over tradition pen and paper studies.
Conducting my research and having my hypothesis confirmed served to strengthen my commitment to becoming an instructional technology coach. I enjoyed working with my participating teacher and became more and more comfortable modeling best practices in instructional design, working in a partnership, and planning to incorporate digital tools into the classroom. This project gave me the opportunity to systematically analyze a classroom project, chart my results, and communicate my findings to those who can use it to improve instructional practice and increase student learning and achievement.
My classmates and I have worked hard for more than a year to earn our stripes as Specialists or Doctors of Education. It has been a challenge to work full time and then complete the demands of earning a higher degree in my spare time. What is it all for? The experience has made me a stronger person as it required self-discipline, focus, and curiosity. Without these traits, I would never have succeeded. These three characteristics will continue to drive me in my career to work hard to improve classroom instruction and student learning and to partner with teachers to integrate digital resources which flatten classrooms and challenge students to collaborate, create, and explore beyond the classroom walls. Having my Specialist in Instructional Technology means I will be a leader of innovation and change for school improvement. I now have the pedagogical knowledge to coach teachers in creating technology-rich lessons, and I have the skills to build partnerships which foster collaboration and the desire to continuously strive for excellence.
Applied Research has given me the knowledge of how to conduct research, both qualitative and quantitative. It has taught me the skills I need to drill down into the data and use software such as Excel to help make that data comprehensible. Knowing how to conduct research from beginning to end will help me lead innovation in my school. This class has given me the knowledge of how to identify and institute best practices for student learning.
At this point in my studies, I feel like I have learned so much that will make me a great Instructional Technology Coach. The success I have had in this class has helped solidify my commitment to becoming an Instructional Technology Coach and made me realize that I can have an impact on student learning and school improvement on a bigger scale than before.
Conducting my research and having my hypothesis confirmed served to strengthen my commitment to becoming an instructional technology coach. I enjoyed working with my participating teacher and became more and more comfortable modeling best practices in instructional design, working in a partnership, and planning to incorporate digital tools into the classroom. This project gave me the opportunity to systematically analyze a classroom project, chart my results, and communicate my findings to those who can use it to improve instructional practice and increase student learning and achievement.
My classmates and I have worked hard for more than a year to earn our stripes as Specialists or Doctors of Education. It has been a challenge to work full time and then complete the demands of earning a higher degree in my spare time. What is it all for? The experience has made me a stronger person as it required self-discipline, focus, and curiosity. Without these traits, I would never have succeeded. These three characteristics will continue to drive me in my career to work hard to improve classroom instruction and student learning and to partner with teachers to integrate digital resources which flatten classrooms and challenge students to collaborate, create, and explore beyond the classroom walls. Having my Specialist in Instructional Technology means I will be a leader of innovation and change for school improvement. I now have the pedagogical knowledge to coach teachers in creating technology-rich lessons, and I have the skills to build partnerships which foster collaboration and the desire to continuously strive for excellence.
Applied Research has given me the knowledge of how to conduct research, both qualitative and quantitative. It has taught me the skills I need to drill down into the data and use software such as Excel to help make that data comprehensible. Knowing how to conduct research from beginning to end will help me lead innovation in my school. This class has given me the knowledge of how to identify and institute best practices for student learning.
At this point in my studies, I feel like I have learned so much that will make me a great Instructional Technology Coach. The success I have had in this class has helped solidify my commitment to becoming an Instructional Technology Coach and made me realize that I can have an impact on student learning and school improvement on a bigger scale than before.