Challenges, Challenges...

I can foresee several challenges as I reflect upon the components of my action research plan.  The issue of technology is at the forefront.  Most of my students have some sort of electronic device they can use at school on the school’s network.  Our school promotes BYOD - bring your own device!  However, when the students get home, some won’t have Internet access.  One way to address this specific challenge would be to provide DVDs for the students to watch at home.  Another solution might be to promote the extra library hours at our high school so the students could access the network there.

A second area of concern is time.  As I begin this endeavor, I am starting from scratch in terms of videos to post.  The time and organization it takes to complete this task worries me a bit.  An answer to this challenge might be to utilize already created videos from web sources, you tube, and other video sharing sites.  The key is to find quality videos.  However; with each video I make, I will be able to archive it for use next year.

A final concern is student and parent buy-in.  With any change, there will always be skepticism and concern.  I worry the students won’t participate fully and then fall way behind in the following day’s collaboration and discussions.  I worry the parents won’t see with “the end in mind.”  For students who haven’t watched the videos…I will have two computers in the class that will allow them to view the missed videos.  Since class time has been used to watch the video, students have now missed out of the “tutorial/discussion time” where the teacher walks around and helps students.  These students will have to follow the traditional model and complete their assignments at home that day.  To work through these challenges, I feel consistent, clear communication will go a long way when introducing something new.  Educating the students and parents prior to implementation will go a long way.