Action Research

Problem Statement

The Distance Learning Initiative is designed to provide students, in grades K-12, with a full circle elk country experience without physically being in Elk Country. In my research I will conduct surveys to ensure the program standards are being reached to the full potential. I will survey two types of school groups during my placement at the ECVC, physical field trips, and virtual field trips, also known as distance learning. Through this method of research, if we begin to see that students are not getting as much out of the virtual lessons as the physical lessons we will provide desired teacher resources as well as student information packets to supplement the activities to make them more engaging.  The goal of my research is to ensure that all field trips are treated equally by making sure that they are getting the same type of experience whether or not they attend a session with us virtually or physically. I am predicting that the virtual attendees will not be getting as high quality experience as those who can visit physically.

 

Findings

The findings showed that distance learning and physical field trips both had very similar learning outcomes from the students. There were suggestions by teachers in distance learning sessions to have a more hands-on experience similar to the  physical field trips. The only other comment was the way that the distance learning trunks were presented when they arrived to the school.

 

Solutions

Some of the suggestions given by the teachers who have experienced  the Distance Learning Sessions included a better mailing method. Most of our trunk/boxes are in rough shape due to the shipping process. We have tried a couple of different containers, and so far large cardboard boxes work the best, but must be replaced frequently. We are looking into purchasing shipping containers that have a time effective guarantee.

Another recommendation was that we do something to make the sessions more interactive  for students in the Distance Learning Sessions. During our field trips, students have hands-on activities with a variety of props.