Problem Analysis

Teachers' professional development is often hampered by lack of funding or lack of time for pursuing interests. Many teachers have expressed interest in trying something new in their classroom and haven’t the time to research and create lessons and activities for students that include the latest technology tools available. Is it possible to gain this professional development by sharing the workload among a group of similarly interested teachers? Teachers often hear about new trends or tools from other teachers. Unfortunately, due to the nature of teaching, finding time to learn and try new things can fall to the bottom of the priority list when completing the daily tasks of planning and teaching and grading. How can a technology coach support these teachers to enhance their use of technology in the classroom?

Force Field Analysis:

Building a community of practice among teachers who have a common interest in learning and or sharing what they already know about a particular topic could be the catalyst teachers need to pursue their interests. I want to provide teachers with a means of sharing resources and expand collaboration among specific communities of practice to enhance technology use in the classroom.

Action Research Question: What will be the effects of the creation of a community of practice pursuing the improvement of technology use in the classroom?

Logic Model:

Next steps? See Literature Review and Action Research Cycle 1 Plan