Plan Reflection

Upon reviewing my action research plan, one of the widely expressed suggestions was that I “provide details of the assessments to periodically evaluate how effective the program is.”

After studying about S.M.A.R.T recommendations and goals, I see why it is important to be more specific on evaluations. The evaluations are the key to success as a new project is implemented into a school district, especially when there is resistance to change. Through specific and guided assessments, the teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the community can be on board with the changes seeping into the school district. Although technology is the way of the future, there is a huge fear of allowing too much technology into the school systems. For example, people fear purchasing Kindles for students, because it might lesson the desire to actually purchase books, check them out from the library, or even take assigned books home to read for homework. Instead of embracing the idea that young adults thrive on technology and would possibly be more likely to check out a Kindle, the school districts balk because of the cost, the insurance liability, and the ultimate lack of trust of their students.

Although most of the other comments were primarily accolades, I did receive some suggestions regarding how to efficiently find methods of funding for projects similar to my own. Grant writing (training included) was one of my ideas on how to receive money for technology advancement. Through research, I have found there are a multitude of technology grants throughout the nation, state, and even local grants available for teachers seeking a technology-based classroom.