Computers Needed to Bring the World to our World Language Class

My Students

Language classes have the unique ability to expose students to different cultures, customs, and experiences without ever leaving the school. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is through the use of technology.

North Star Academy College Preparatory High School is a free public charter school located in Newark, NJ.

The school's mission is to provide a superior education to impoverished students and prepare them for college. In Newark Public Schools only 29% of students graduate High School. At North Star, with a similar population, 100% of our students graduate. More importantly, 100% of our students are accepted to 4 year colleges. Currently, there are 357 students in grades nine through twelve. 73.9% of those students receive free lunch. 11% of our students have special education needs. 81.8% are African American while 16.5% are of Hispanic decent. The students are courteous, hard working, and dedicated to their success. Many are from single-parent homes and encounter a multitude of challenges associated with their socioeconomic conditions. North Star teachers on the other hand are dedicated, caring, and creative professionals who are relentless in their quest to prepare students for college.

My Project

My students need 7 laptop computers. These computers will provide my students with infinite opportunities. Due to the fact that many of my students are from impoverished families, they do not have reliable access to computers or the Internet. These computers would enable them to learn and perfect skills that are vital in any profession. First of all, I plan on using these computers to create more authentic, engaging, and dynamic classroom projects. For example, these computers would enable my students to work in groups with the goal of researching Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. Students would then be able to design creative power point presentations with the goal of teaching their peers about different cultures and traditions. Additionally, students would be able to create, film, and edit Spanish skits. Finally, they could even create Spanish raps and songs about difficult grammar concepts. These songs could then be used to introduce said concepts to future pupils.

In conclusion, these computers would provide my students with a multitude of educational opportunities.

From a pedagogical standpoint, they would enable me to design more creative and engaging lessons related to the Latin culture and language. Most importantly however, they would benefit students as these lessons have the power to interweave academic knowledge with real world skills. Please consider donating to our classroom project. Thanks in advance for your support!