Getting Closer

Ok… it’s getting a little bit clearer now. As I watch the discussions taking place within ISTE concerning the U.S. Department of Education’s Technology Plan and future plans for Education through the new politcal administration, I become more convinced that the blending of face to face schools with online learning curriclums, is about to happen in the next 5 years, maybe sooner. I can see it happening in theory, yet while looking at the realities in school districts, we still have may obstacles to surmount before we can focus on individualized learning for students. That’s the ISTE dream, and if it’s going to come true, technology will be a big piece of it

So… that reinforces my thoughts that utilizing online tools for individualizing learning is a viable dissertation topic. However, seeing that happen in real districts still may be another 5 years away. But can I be instrumental in making that happen by doing action research on how online Web 2.0 tools can be utilized to impact student learning? I’m thinking particularly of using tools like Wikispaces, and iGoogle tools which hopefully won’t be locked out in a classroom lab. I still have the challenge that my district doesn’t fully approve of using Web 2.0 tools, but have the reassurance of those in charge that those tools will be at the top of their lists for September. That probably means it won’t be unlocked until at least January and maybe not until June. In the meantime, I’m going to continue to research the topic in order to give those in charge some fodder for their arguments with the administration and OTIS (Office of Technology). I may even approach the system’s head of assessment to see if I can get details from her.

So it looks like I need to focus on this research… now how should I approach it???? I’m thinking the topic should be something like Using Asynchronous Web 2.0 tools to Improve Middle School Student’s Reading Comprehension. And that the problem is that Middle School students’ comprehension skills are challenged and will improve through the us of online Web 2.0 tools. Then if I’d set up several classes with Language Arts teachers ….. or can I just compare the scores of my students in my technology classes both before and after the use of the tools? Would I be able to find a trend? Or maybe some statistical data to back up my theory?

I don’t know.. but I’m off to find out how to do this..