January 16, 2005 - Cycle One Evaluation
As I evaluate the data collected from the survey I completed, I realize that I've captured a lot of valuable information that I will be able to use in a variety of projects and initiatives. It also becomes clear to me that this data helps me focus on key areas of concerns and needs that I would otherwise miss. At times I question the way the items that I included, but I guess as long as you ask questions about the things you want to know, your survey is appropriate.
Key themes: there is geniune interest in enhancing and growing professionally among the staff. Many of the concerns listed in the surveys are typical of staff who are relatively new computer users. The staff have only had access to computers for approximately 4 years. Their comments about connectivity, support, and training are reminescent of organizations at the 4-year mark. They want to learn about computers and they want to use them effectively. They see value in gathering and sharing their both their knowledge and friendship. Time is an big issue, both their time to learn the tools and the time available during instructional sessions with students.
I coded the survey with colors, red for those that immediately said they were not interested in participating in the project, gold for those that indicated they might be interested but wanted more information, and green for those who said they would particiapte. I found this color coding to be especially helpful and time saving. Those that indicated they were interested were sent a personal/individual invitation to participate. This invitation described the project in detail as many requested additional information. A copy of the invitiation can be found here. As I move into cycle 2, I will look closely at the results of those that accepted the invitation.
Based on the above analysis of my action, I feel that my research question is still answerable and worth answering. At the present time, my data collection via the survey is catching the type of data that I need. While there is information on the survey that may not pertain directly to my action research, this data is essential to me to help me in other areas of my job.
As I move forward to actually meeting with the group and working with them, I will add additional data collection techniques such as: audio recordings, email messages/interview questions, photographs, and possibly even video. Additionally, the information captured in TappedIn will also provide valuable data. As I acquaint the staff with TappedIn I would like to capture data on their online offices and how they "customize them" and how and if they use them. A lot of valuable data can be capture through the process of interviewing the participants and asking questions such as, "What motivated you to customize your office," or "What would get you interested in customizing your office." Questions of this nature will be important to develop as I move forward throught the cycles.
Initially, I combined both the survey to identify possible participants in the project and invitation to participant from through identified as one cycle. As I am reflecting through this process, I believe that I will record these as separate cycles. They feel like separate cycles and I want to look at them separately. Actions are small steps and with that in mind, I think two cycles are more appropriate.
karen.connaghan@pepperdine.edu