In the workplace today, most adults use technology constantly. My students have access to some computers in school, but they desperately need guidance on how to navigate the information-flooded Internet. They need lessons before they go off on their own to conduct exciting research projects online.
Diversity, diversity, diversity.
My students have tons of that! They speak 9 different languages, and many are recent immigrants to this economically depressed, urban neighborhood. They tend to be very enthusiastic about reading, often trying to run into the library to grab a book from their favorite series. Using technology excites them just as much. When they are able to use computers during class, they are far more likely to participate in the project, and to learn more.
Our school is in a large city, in a low income neighborhood. The school educates about 400 students in the 4th - 8th grades. We have many exciting assemblies and events throughout the school year, in which students play active, leading roles.
My Project
Google returns hundreds of thousands of results for nearly every search. My students need guidance on how to find information for their research projects that wasn't posted by Joe down the street. They'll be shocked at how interesting and useful their research can be with the right guidance before they start their research process.
My students do research for several large projects during the school year, including Science Fair and History Fair. A projector will improve lessons on where to search for information, how to search, how to paraphrase, and how (and why) to cite sources. Perhaps most importantly, students will learn how to do all these things safely.
Students will have independent research time, finding information interesting to them. As with any independent work though, students will benefit from it more after having direct instruction on the process. An LCD projector will allow students to see and discuss with their classmates the research process.
One LCD projector will make a huge difference for all my students!
Each student in the school will receive direct instruction and participate in discussions about online research. Their lacking research skills will improve, and they will create advanced research projects for their school projects. Even more critically, my students will become exceptional researchers and technology users for the rest of their lives.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. L. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.