EDLD 5326 Action Research Plan Update

I have conducted an extensive search for literature and other sources of information on text to speech and audio books. There is no substantial literature that I could find that would assist me with the use of text to speech technology. I have conducted interviews with the local university and companies that are publishing audio versions of textbooks already in print. They have been my main source of already existing research and data relating to my topic. I have collected data from target group in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. This data showed promising results in the area of test to speech and audio technology enhancing the academic achievement of students with learning disabilities. These students have been able to access the core curriculum using this technology. They have also been able to take standardized assessments in Math and Science using audio technology. They are permitted the use of audio in the Reading assessments in Oregon. I am continually reviewing the data from teacher interviews, student interviews, observations, grades, file reviews, discipline referral data, state and district assessments and benchmarking. I have had to revise my group when members of my study group moved. I added two more students with learning disabilities to the existing group. I have collected the data and completed half the group, they graduated in June 2012. The three students in the research plan graduated with regular Oregon diplomas, a first for our school district to graduate 100% IDEA students with regular diplomas. I will collect the data from the Fall 2012 state assessments as well as grades, and final teacher reports and interviews. Once this data is collected I will compile the final results and write my report. I have worked an estimated 50 hours on this action research plan, most of it in the early stages last year. I will estimate an additional 20 hours to complete the project. http://ldubedld5306.wikispaces.com/EDLD+5326+Action+Research+Plan+Update

Action Research Plan Progress Report

Draft Action Research Project Report. a. Title – What academic gains will be achieved using technology to access instructional materials by students with specific learning disabilities? b. Needs Assessment – As the Special Education director I was constantly seeing low achievement among students with disabilities in the area of reading fluency and reading comprehension. This deficit affects the student across curriculum. I saw a need for facilitating access to curriculum using text to speech technology c. Objectives and Vision of the action research project. (ELCC 1.1) – To increase the academic achievement of students with disabilities. By utilizing technology, specifically text to speech technology to access curriculum. To use this technology not only with coursework, but with state assessments as allowed. d. Review of the Literature and Action Research Strategy –– All literature so far has been from BooKshare websites and blogs. This is an area that I must spend more time researching. I will address this in my revised Action Plan. e. Articulate the Vision (ELCC 1.2) – I presented at an in-service for the staff outlining the data pre implementation of the pro ject. I posted announcements on school website and blog and school wiki. I included the data on state assessments for students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers. I theorized that students with reading deficits were performing poorly on state and local assessments because of the inability to access the curriculum. f. Manage the organization (ELCC 3.1) – I asked our RtI director and her staff to help with the assessing and gathering of data. This was data before, progress monitoring during, and post plan data. The superintendent is responsible for allocating district resources and motivating staff. The general education teachers are responsible for modifying content to allow technology to facilitate full access to students involved in research. They are also responsible to gather data on assessments and progress monitor. I am responsible for the purchase and installation of software. g. Manage Operations (ELCC 3.2) – I have not experienced any conflicts among the teachers and staff involved in the plan. We have struggled with resources required to gather the data, mostly time. The early success of the students on state assessments has acted as a motivating factor. h. Respond to Community Interest and Needs (ELCC 4.2) – I have received overwhelming support from the community, faculty, and administration. The students with special needs, usually left behind, are having their specific needs addressed. We are changing delivery of the content material to address their needs and deficits, not trying to change or correct there disabilities. We must use the technology we have now to better serve this long neglected group.

EDLD5363 Web Conference Reflections

Web Conference Reflections

     Week 1       I attended the web conference on Sunday 11/13/11 at 6PM. I entered the room at 5:55, probably a little too late to ensure a spot in room. I will make a more concerted effort to be at least 30 minutes early for this conference. I was having so much trouble technically that I wasn't able to fully grasp the conversations. I apologize for not allowing enough time. I hope to attend at least two more conferences and post reflections in week 5.
           I attended the web conference Sunday 11/20/11. I thought that it would cover week two. But, I saw that it was mostly covering problems and questions about week one. I did get to hear some information about week two assignment. However I had to leave and edit my YouTube video, wiki and blog to show new cut version of digital story. I learned more tech tools to delete files from YouTube,  and re-post. I learned more about editing and narration on photo story.

Week 2     Now for the constructive criticism. I hope it comes across as such. The discussion boards are fun and interesting communicating with cohort peers, But the requirements for posting are confusing. There is too much conflicting information between syllabus, assignment, and overviews. I also find the web conferences a source of constant frustration. I understand the technology glitch part, but it is frustrating none the same. This week I tried to get on and was booted out once. I had to leave due to late conference start and parent conferences on another occasion. Read the wrong course document and planned on 6 PM time on Saturday, only to find out it was 10 AM (8 AM PST, my time). I will try and be there tonight, Sunday at 6 PM PST. I did get to about 30 minutes of one last Sunday and heard a lot about week one. I hope that I can start to enjoy these web conferences soon. My hopes are high.

Week 3              I attend the video web conferences at least once a week. I find them confusing at times. There is a lot of information. I hear the same questions asked numerous times. I am hoping that these conferences will prove to be more helpful. I continue to be hopeful.

Week 4               I still find the web conferences to be of little help. Tonight, Sunday's conference, I was disconnected three times before I finally gave up. I did hear that discussion board assignment was cancelled. I already submitted post and replied to one of my peer's quotes. So this information was not timely. I also heard that we are switching from EPIC to BLACKBOARD shortly. I still have hope that the web conferences will help me in the future.

Week 5             I attended the web conference on Sunday and continue to experience problems with connectivity. It is not a constant problem, but, has been for week one and five. I finally gave up after three times attempting getting back in room. I plan my weekly schedule around these conference times and have wasted valuable time that I cannot spare with my hectic schedule. I know that a graduate program is supposed to be rigorous and time consuming. I welcome that aspect. I do not wish to waste time. I hear people asking questions about assignments and work that should have been completed weeks ago. I understand that these questions need to be answered. I usually research any questions I have regarding course and get the work completed.

Lawrencer Wetjen

EDLD 5363 / ET 8038

Reflections Week Five EDLD 5363

     This course allowed me to explore new web 2.0 tools as well as some I have used already. I learned a little about planning and writing a script. I watched two partners in my group plan and create a storyboard from the script they were given. I learned how to use tools like DropBox and Rondee phone conferences. I used google docs to stay in touch with group and collaborate on PSA project.
     I enjoyed working with my group and everyone completed tasks in a timely and professional manner. I am proud of the final product we created.
     I attended the web conference on Sunday and continue to experience problems with connectivity. It is not a constant problem, but, has been for week one and five. I finally gave up after three times attempting to get back in room. I plan my weekly schedule around these conference times and have wasted valuable time that I cannot spare with my hectic schedule. I know that a graduate program is supposed to be rigorous and time consuming. I welcome that aspect. I do not wish to waste time. I hear people asking questions about assignments and work that should have been completed weeks ago. I understand that these questions need to be answered . I usually research any questions I have regarding course and get the work completed.
     I feel that I cannot reflect properly on my web conference experience. I do hope to learn to enjoy them in future courses. I have included reflections on each weeks' conferences in my weekly blog posts (weeks 1-5).
The URL is in my Wiki and submitted in EPIC.

Lawrence Wetjen  EDLD 5363 / ET 8038

Reflections Week Four EDLD 5363

     This week's schedule for our PSA project left me feeling like I was missing something. I felt there was something to be done and didn't know what it was. The time I had this week allowed me to reflect on the work that we were creating as a group. We continued to collaborate using Google docs, email, and phone conferencing. It has been a great experience working with my peers on this project.
     I still find the web conferences to be of little help. Tonight, Sunday's conference, I was disconnected three times before I finally gave up. I did hear that discussion board assignment was cancelled. I already submitted post and replied to one of my peer's quotes. So this information was not timely. I also heard that we are switching from EPIC to BLACKBOARD shortly. I still have hope that the web conferences will help me in the future.

Lawrence Wetjen
EDLD 5363 / ET 8038

Reflections Week Three EDLD 5363

     This week we began collaborating with our group for the PSA project. I really enjoy the collaboration part of these courses. Interacting with peers in my cohort is enlightening. I find the exchange of ideas and different perspectives most enjoyable. 

      I teamed with my partner from week 1 and 2 and another team of two joined us. We used Rondee to phone conference and google docs  and Dropbox to share ideas and documents. I think we are on schedule with our video production and I am excited to view the finished product.

     I attend the video web conferences at least once a week. I find them confusing at times. There is a lot of information. I hear the same questions asked numerous times. I am hoping that these conferences will prove to be more helpful. I continue to be hopeful.

Lawrence Wetjen

EDLD 5363 / ET 8038

Reflections Week Two EDLD 5363

     I have not had much experience using video making software. I used some with an old recorder about 25 years ago. My how times have changed. I was fascinated by the ease and simplicity of the software. There are so many functions and tasks that can be performed with them. I tried Pinnacle  (free) and Windows Movie Maker. I chose WMM and found in great. I really enjoyed the project and felt a sense of achievement upon completion.
     I find the collaboration with Nicole, cohort 23 peer, the most helpful. We can communicate and work through difficult aspects of the assignment. I am looking forward to collaborating with larger group for the Public Service Announcement Project in weeks 3-5.
    Okay! Now for the constructive criticism. I hope it comes across as such. The discussion boards are fun and interesting communicating with cohort peers, But the requirements for posting are confusing. Too much conflicting information between syllabus, assignment,and overviews. I also find the web conferences a source of constant frustration. I understand the technology glitch part, but it is frustrating none the same. This week I tried to get on and was booted out once. I had to leave due to late conference start and parent conferences on another occasion. Read the wrong course document and planned on 6 PM time on Saturday, only to find out it was 10 AM (8 AM PST, my time). I will try and be there tonight, Sunday at 6 PM PST. I did get to about 30 minutes of one last Sunday and heard a lot about week one. I hope that I can start to enjoy these web conferences soon. My hopes are high.

Lawrence Wetjen  EDLD 5363 / ET 8038