Oy Vey.

.

Task 1: I changed my topic and re-wrote the first 2 parts.  It took about 6 hours.  Results?  It appears I have to cite every blessed thing I say.  

Task 2: I completed my needs analysis plan.  It took 3 hours and it's two pages long (felt like more than 2 points but maybe I did more than was necessary?).  Feedback was light--thank goodness!

Task 3: Research, research, research!  I probably spent about 4 hours this week looking for articles.  Keywords are funny.  You have to find out the buzzwords of your area of study to get the best results!  

Task 4: Find my sample and control.  I thought  I was going to use 2 basic English classes, but now I feel the numbers are too large to handle a performance-based assessment.  So I'm going to try to find 2 special ed classes that function on the same level. The teacher I'd like to work with only has 4-6 students in each class--not sure if that's too small...

Task 5 (to do): Settle on an article for my research evaluation report.

Reflections: The wording of a research narrative is so very important. I spend so much time changing things around, adding, taking away, citing.  I write something one day and read it the next and wonder, "what was I thinking?"  I've also found that when I go for a walk or a run, I come up with good ideas.  I don't know if it's the endorphins that enhance thinking or maybe it's just stepping away (as in, when you're too close to something, it's hard to see it clearly).

My Daily Panics: What if I can't find students willing to help me create the tutorials?  What if I find them, but what they create isn't what I had in mind (or it stinks)?  This is the unknown of my project and it all kind of hinges on it.  I would prefer to have more control.

I also have not yet found a scholarly article yet to back up what I believe to be true.  I find lots of blogs by respected people in the field of IT who agree with me and some have even suggested that someone do a study to prove it--haha--funny/not funny for me.

Using Technology to Enhance the "Non-Technical"

I've been over-thinking my topic.  I originally tried to address something that really didn't inspire me.  Computer skills are important--of course!  But I already address those in my lessons--all year long! 

Despite my job being mainly about technology and information retrieval these days, I can't forget about my first love--why I chose my career (and I know it's cliche)--reading!  I spend so much time worrying about students understanding PowerPoint and in-text citations, that I don't spend enough time inspiring students to read. 

Then an idea literally fell to the ground at my feet.  I was putting away some magazines and several editions of School Library Monthly fell off the shelf.  The February issue was on top and in the content list on the front, I saw "Edmodo: A Great Tool for School Librarians."  Not only can I use Edmodo to address tech skills, but I can use it to promote reading! 

What I love is that I can reach out to students--I don't have to wait for them to come to me.  My hope is that using Edmodo to promote the library (and also forming an Edmodo book club!) will increase my circulation and library attendance.

It was suggested to me that I also address enhancing tech skills (in addition to reading and circulation)--which I will obviously do, but I'm not sure how to combine both objectives without it seeming like two projects.  If you read the article you'll see that there are so many possibilities for Edmodo as a vehicle for the school library, and increasing readership is just a part.  So I'm going to create a product that addresses many aspects of literacy--how do I measure it all and seamlessly combine it into one project?

So that's the part that stumps me...Any suggestions???