Action Reseach Plan Summary

1. Study Question - Is the online learning environment I am using with my students effective?

The purpose of my study question is to determine the effectiveness of using online learning to recover credit deficiencies in high school students who are behind their cohorts. The use of APEX Learning is the software program of choice and is supplemented by the Compass Odyssey software; however, students using the Compass software exclusively will be excluded from the sample in an effort to limit some of the variables. The study will take place on my campus.


2. The target population includes students who are in the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 cohorts and who are assigned by their respective counselor to the credit recovery class in the spring of 2011. Student ages range from 16 – 21 and encompass all grade level. The focus is based on the student’s cohort year, not their assigned grade level.


3. The sample size will be determined by the class max for the computer lab where the credit recovery class is held as well as determined by the counselor’s choice as to the appropriate student for the class. The sample will range in size between 50 to 150 students with an anticipated mean of 70 students.


4. The students assigned to the sample are dynamic and will only be determined by those that finish the program as the data needed includes completion of the program. Withdrawals from the program will exclude the student from the protocol as effectiveness cannot be determined if the student fails to complete the program. The student sample is not a random sample as the criteria for entry into the program follows a protocol already outlined on the campus. This may cause the data to be somewhat biased but the credit recovery is only entering its 2nd year of implementation and protocols must be followed based on the limited seats available for the class.


5. I will conduct my research over the entire spring semester. The research protocol will begin with a readiness survey completed by the student to determine if technology skills play a factor into the success in the program. Student progress will be monitored on a biweekly basis through the semester and reported in subsequent updates. Final determination of success will be based on completion of at least ½ a credit during the semester. Those that complete ½ a credit will be determined to be the control group as this is the expectation for all students in a traditional classroom. Success will be determined by completion of 1 or more credits during 1 semester while lack of success will be indicated by failure to complete even ½ a credit during 1 academic semester. Results will be reported by course and by number as enrolled course may play a factor in the completion rate (some courses are longer and harder than others).