Detemining a topic for Action Research

I met with my site supervisor for the purpose of discussing action research topics.  Some topics we discussed were:
•    How a teacher’s use of a student response system can be used, not only as a response system, but also as a tool for assessment.
•    In what ways can we follow-up with professional development to ensure teachers remain comfortable with the topic and will continue the use of that specific technology.
•    We wondered how technology integration would be affected if a select group of technology strong teachers are trained as “teacher techs” or “technology coaches”.
•    The importance of training teacher trainers, or “teacher techs” to present engaging presentations that are current and precise and the material is relevant to the audience.
Tara, my site supervisor, was very helpful.  She has is detail-oriented, and we had a great conversation in which she offered some wonderful suggestions.  We not only discussed possible action research topics, but also talked at length regarding the benefit of obtaining a master’s degree and the positive points of an online degree.  Our district had just purchased 20 student response systems, so we discussed using those for a topic.  We also have a technology conference coming up in August with over 30 sessions led by teachers.  Our technology department is developing a one day professional development for those teachers called, Designing Engaging Lessons to train those presenters on several presentation tips and tricks, such as; how to prepare an outline, get to know your audience through an “ice-breaker”, have a streamlined PowerPoint, provide hands-on, engaging activities and provide an opportunity for follow-up.
This professional development led to my current topic idea; how technology integration would be affected if a select group of technology strong teachers were trained as “teacher techs” or “technology coaches”.  In this appointed role, the “teacher techs” would be role models, provide training, and serve as a continuous source of encouragement and support for the use of technology in the classroom.  I would also go a step further and make sure that the teacher techs are given the training and support they need to have the skills and confidence to be put into this leadership position.