My Study:

How can schools public and private use social media tools to increase communication and collaboration and maintain a safe environment for all members of its community, students, faculty, administration and parents? The school I work at is beginning to look at these tools and what they can provide for the school community. There are many questions they would like answered before they embark in this arena. One of the purposes of this action research is to develop a school policy regarding the use of social media tools with an emphasis on Facebook, Twitter and cell phone texting and cell phone use. The main concern is the appropriate interaction between the following: teacher/student, teacher/parent, student/student. This question is being asked by many, should social media tools be incorporated in education? In my preliminary research I came across an article online that asked this very question. The author mentioned the findings from a recent report that stated the importance of Internet safety lessons being taught in context. This presents a problem because most schools block social media sites and do not allow use of web 2.0 tools in school. (Callow, June 17, 2010) Another article that I read summarized the findings of a McAffee report on youth online behavior, which stated that kids are more cautious that once thought. (Magid, June 2010) Both of this articles, have reaffirmed my thought that an action research in this area is much needed to seek out truth and understanding concerning the role social media has in education.


Callow, R. (June 17, 2010). Should social networking be permitted in schools? http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2010/06/should-social-networking-be-permitted-in-schools.html .

Magid, L. (June 2010). Study has good news about kids online behavior. Safekids.com http://www.safekids.com/2010/06/26/study-has-good-news-about-kids-online-behavior/ .

Possible sources for my Research

This Tea site has a listing of other sites that might be helpful.

A blog that looks promising.

A Legislative report I found interesting.

Here is an Article on a study of kids online.It reveals the findings of McAffee's study on Youth Online Behavior.

Article asking the question, Should social media tools be used in education?

Schools using Twitter shared with me by Sandra Kendall Lamar colleague.

EdSocialMedia on facebook. A page about social media in education.

Are your kids safe online? Facebook, PTA want to make sure By Doug Gross, CNN

Week 2 Reflection

This week's study was helpful to me in gaining understanding of research methods and necessary components. I found Dr. Johnny Briseno's interview helpful. He noted the importance of qualitative data to action research. He also spoke of how he used peer coaching to help improve problem areas. Teachers communicated with each other to tell of teaching strategies that worked with a particular group or class. They communicated and looked at the qualitative data. I also found Dr. Kirk Lewis' advice to make your action research practical. Keep it relavent. He also emphasized the importance for teachers and researchers to learn how to disaggrgate data.

How Leaders can use Blogs

Leaders can use blogs to share progress of the improvement plan and future goals. They can share their reflections which will link the community or stakeholders with the shared vision of the school.Leaders could use this forum to educate or inform parents of policies or suggestions for internet safety at home. Current events can be reported. These are just a few suggestions. If you have any, please post below under comments.

What I have learned so far about Action Research.

I am grateful for the knowledge and experience the Research class from Lamar University will bring to my learning. I can already gather from the texts, (Examining What we Do To Improve Our Schools 8 Steps From Analysis by Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie Combs and Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principals as Action Research by Nancy Fichtman Dana) that we have been required to read, how valuable and vital Action Research is to leadership. I guess that I viewed research in the traditional way, as an outsider investigating and reporting a plan for a change. I now understand the difference and recognize the superior benefits when leaders conduct their own research based on reflection of their practices and promotion of a shared vision. Action Research or Inquiry is a necessary tool for the growth and continued growth of a school and a leader. Without it, I believe schools will rapidly fall behind on their mission to provide the best learning environment for their students. Action research is systematic involving the analysis of data and making changes to procedures or policy based on those findings. I like how it states in the Dana text that Inquiry or Action Research promotes growth from the inside out not from the outside in.I plan to use action research as a leader to promote personal growth and aid in the growth of education.