On most school days 100+ students spread through six classes come to our school's media center. Most of these K-6 students do not have computer access at home and the computers in our media center are grossly outdated. I would like to bring access to new, functional computers to my students.
My students are enthralled with any and all technology, but their access to it is limited in this economically disadvantaged community.
Our Title I school serves over 600 elementary students and our limited resources are stretched thin. During their media center period, my students learn about accessing the media center's print, video, and audio resources, many of which are outdated.
Instead of having my students peruse encyclopedias printed in the mid-90s, I sometimes have them search for information and multimedia online in the media center. But because our computers are so obsolete, this process often proves more frustrating than educational for the students. Computers often lock-up or otherwise malfunction when students attempt to access much of the rich, interactive content the web has to offer. Many a raised hand and exclamation do I hear about the inadequacies of our computers. These are bright and capable students, but they are hindered by their circumstances.
My Project
My students will use these new computers to access the wealth of educational resources available to them online. We will learn about online research, accessing our library's online catalog, and explore digital formats like e-books. These portals will become a way for my students to surpass much of the outdated print material around them until funding is available to invest in new print resources.
This project will allow me to replace half of the obsolete machines in the media center computer lab.
Instead of being frustrated by the limitations of our current equipment, my students will be able to hone their skills at computers worthy of them. Not only will this improve the efficacy of my media center, it will also improve the lives of my students and allow them to develop skills for future success which they have no other way to access in their community.
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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 Mr. B. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.