IRB-Reflection

This process has taught me how to look up research articles on the library search and what to look for in reliable research. I have learned how to look at research in a very critical way in order to summarize it in detail. The steps involved require very specific information that is found in the research, and to be able to determine what the research is really all about. My advice to those doing the IRB process for action research is they find a professor who can direct them with names of those who have done similar research in the past. Using the library search can be time consuming like finding a needle in a haystack if one does not narrow down the research to a very direct question. Development of that question can take many turns before the question is precise and complete.

Action Reserch

To say I am disappointed with the next 9 credits of this grad program is truly an understatement. There are so many other things I need to learn about instructional technology and now I am spending my hard earned money and time on action research, which is so little of what I do. This grad program needs a critical review. We have not covered video conferencing or explored networking, hardware, and have spent very little time on actual educational software. We have spent a lot of time on Internet software which has been rewarding but there is so much more we need to do. I don't even know how to use the smartboard in the Greendale library!

I do see the benefit of action research for the regular classroom teacher, but for me, it has very little value. I am learning a lot, however I will not use most of it once this coursework is complete. I only get to see my students once a week for 30 minutes and concentrating so much time and effort and money on that one 30 minute session is fruitless.

Our Professor is excellent and I mean no disrespect to her. She knows what she is doing and is very good at instructing us in our goals. However, she did cause us some stress when she said if we are confused now, wait until 549! I would not expect to be confused in a grad course as instruction thus far has been laid out quite clear (for the most part). I would hope, if there is known confusion it would be cleared up prior to the course being taught? I hope this not to be the case and all instruction in 549 is presented in way that will allow us to learn without the interruption and stress of confusion.

Hopefully this research will confirm what I hope it does and I will see an improvement in my students' skills. That will be great for their teacher and them but for me there are far greater issues I am not addressing in this action research.