This is an action research inquiry into how I can improve my practice as a co-ordinator of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a large urban school in Dublin. The focus of the study was to explore how I could encourage and support collaboration in my work place using Moodle, a virtual learning environment. The task was to develop an ICT School Plan as part of the Whole School Plan in collaboration with four of my colleagues. Instead of relying on traditional meetings, we undertook to use Moodle’s features to conduct our work.
This account describes two action research cycles that I carried out as part of my MSc in Education and Training Management (e-Learning strand) from January to June 2007. The first cycle was concerned with the technical aspects of installing and configuring Moodle for use in the school. The second cycle focused on the experience and learning of the group members as we got to grips with a new way of working together.
This action research study allowed me to critically reflect on own practice, to make explicit the values that give meaning to my work, and to develop my own living theory. In so doing it has led me to a deeper understanding of myself as a practitioner-researcher.