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Action Research Plan
 

Fundamental Research Question:

How does AI adoption impact elementary afterschool coordinators’ workload, efficiency, and digital confidence in AISD Title I programs?

Implementation Plan:

  • Share project overview and survey links with elementary afterschool coordinators.

  • Provide coordinators with curated AI prompt bank (lesson planning, event ideas, scheduling, parent communication).

  • Monitor progress through midpoint check-ins and surveys.

Data Analysis Plan:

  • Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage change) to identify shifts in workload stress, efficiency, and confidence.

  • Qualitative responses will be coded thematically (e.g., “time savings,” “creativity,” “stress relief,” “barriers”) to highlight patterns in experiences.

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Findings will inform a framework for sustainable AI use in afterschool programs. Recommendations may include creating professional learning resources, embedding AI in reporting systems, and advocating for district-level support.

Topic of the Action Research

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support elementary afterschool coordinators in Austin Independent School District (AISD).

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Purpose of the Study:

The purpose of this study is to examine how AI adoption influences afterschool coordinators’ workload, efficiency, and digital confidence. Afterschool coordinators juggle staffing, compliance, student programming, family communication, and grant management with limited systemic support. Early evidence shows that AI can reduce administrative burdens and foster creativity, but little research focuses on coordinators. This study aims to fill that gap by documenting coordinators’ experiences with AI and identifying how adoption can strengthen sustainability in out-of-school-time (OST) programs.

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Research Design and Methods:

This study will use a mixed-methods action research design:

  • Quantitative data: Collected through surveys to measure coordinators’ baseline levels of AI use, perceived workload, efficiency, stress, and digital confidence.

  • Qualitative data: Gathered through open-ended survey responses and reflections, capturing coordinators’ personal experiences with AI use over time.

  • Iterative cycles: Coordinators will use AI tools during program management tasks (lesson planning, scheduling, parent communication). Surveys will be administered before, during, and after implementation to assess changes.

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Data Collection:

  • Initial survey (already created): Assesses coordinators’ current AI use, potential applications, and perceived stress levels.

  • Midpoint reflection survey: Captures examples of how AI has been used and barriers encountered.

  • Final survey: Measures changes in workload, efficiency, and confidence compared to baseline.

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Measurement Instruments:

  • Wix Surveys (Multiple choice and open ended response)

  • Comparative Analysis of pre and post survey results

  • Google Chat group disucssions

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Timeline: 

  • Weeks 1–2 (Planning stage): Administer initial survey, introduce coordinators to basic AI tools (ChatGPT, Google Bard, etc.) with sample prompts.

  • Weeks 3–6 (Acting stage): Coordinators integrate AI into routine tasks (scheduling, compliance reporting, parent emails, lesson planning). Provide optional check-ins for questions.

  • Week 7 (Developing stage): Collect midpoint reflections to identify emerging patterns and barriers.

  • Weeks 8–10 (Reflecting stage): Administer final survey, analyze data for themes and measurable changes. Draft action plan with recommendations for scaling AI use in OST.

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​Sharing and Communication of Results:

  • Presentation to AISD OST leadership team.

  • Infographic and AI prompt guide for coordinators with what has been proven to work.

  • Blog post/ePortfolio publication to share findings with colleagues.

Reflection Process

I (the researcher) will maintain a reflection log to note insights, unexpected challenges, and implications for scaling AI adoption across OST contexts. This reflection will be integrated into my capstone course (EDLD 5320).

Elementary Site Coordinator Initial Survey

How many years have you worked with ACE as a Site Coordinator?
Less than 1 year
1-3 Years
4-6 Years
7+ Years
How often do you currently use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Canva AI, Microsoft Copilot) in your coordinator role?
Never
Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Daily
If you use AI, what do you primarily use it for?
Which of the following benefits do you think AI could provide in your work? (check all that apply)
What concerns do you have about using AI in your role? (check all that apply)

AI Prompts For Coordiantors

📋 Administrative & Scheduling

  • “Create a weekly schedule for [#] students across [#] activities, ensuring no scheduling conflicts. Activities include: [list]. Students should each have at least [#] activities per week.”

  • “Draft a reminder email to parents about upcoming schedule changes, making sure it sounds friendly but clear.”

  • “Summarize this attendance sheet into key trends (highest attended days, frequent absences, etc.).”

 

📚 Curriculum & Lesson Planning

  • “Design a 6-week afterschool curriculum for [grade level] focused on [topic, e.g., STEM, art, literacy]. Include weekly objectives, materials, and student reflection activities.”

  • “Suggest 5 interactive lesson ideas for teaching [skill, e.g., teamwork or creative problem-solving] to elementary students in an afterschool setting.”

  • “Take this TEKS/CCSS standard: [paste standard]. Create an afterschool activity that aligns with it but feels fun and hands-on for students.”

 

🎉 Events & Family Engagement

  • “Generate 10 creative themes for a family engagement night that combine fun and learning.”

  • “Draft a flyer announcement for an upcoming showcase event that highlights student performances and family involvement.”

  • “Write a thank-you message to parents and community partners after a successful event. Keep it warm and appreciative.”

 

📨 Parent Communication

  • “Write a mass text message to parents reminding them about early dismissal and program pickup changes on [date]. Make it short and clear.”

  • “Translate this message into Spanish while keeping a professional yet friendly tone: [paste message].”

  • “Draft an email to parents explaining new enrichment clubs being offered, including times, benefits, and sign-up instructions.”

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👩‍🏫 Staff Support & Professional Development

  • “Create a 30-minute professional development session outline on classroom management strategies for afterschool staff.”

  • “Generate a step-by-step guide for new staff on how to take attendance, log behavior, and communicate with parents.”

  • “Summarize 3 recent articles about afterschool learning trends for staff PD.”

 

📊 Data & Reporting

  • “Turn this raw survey data [paste results] into 3 key takeaways and 2 recommendations for program improvement.”

  • “Draft a grant continuation report section that describes program attendance, highlights, and challenges. Write it in a professional but persuasive tone.”

  • “Create a one-paragraph executive summary of program outcomes from this semester, focusing on impact and student growth.”

 

🧠 Stress & Time Management

  • “Help me prioritize these tasks into urgent, important, and low-priority: [list tasks and deadlines].”

  • “Write a positive affirmation message I can share with my staff at the start of a long week.”

  • “Suggest strategies to delegate [task] effectively to staff or volunteers.”

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