My 4th grade classroom is a community of active learning. The classroom climate was developed intentionally to allow students to problem solve, become independent learners while learning to their highest potential. The classroom functions as a "mini-family" while the students are at school.
My school is located in a smaller county of almost 50,000 people.
Our school serves approximately 650 students in grade 1-5. Approximately 63% of our school represents students of poverty level. We also have students who come from educated and affluent parents. While we do not have a high minority population, our socioeconomic diversity is apparent. Some students come from such affluence that their resources and means are well beyond their poverty level peers. In this technology-driven age, the need for technology in the hands of poverty-level students in particular is imperative to prepare them for the future. The students of more extreme poverty in my class do not have access to Internet or technology at home.
My Project
Students love the use of technology use in the classroom. The 5 iPads requested would help to bridge the gap between poverty and affluence as well as providing extensions and intervention-type work. I plan to use the iPads mostly for reading and math. We do have mobile iPad and laptop labs that are available to be checked out, but with 23 teachers using the labs, it is impossible to have them every day across the content areas. I would use the iPads to allow students a chance to do additional reading and math work as an intervention. Having them would allow access before class begins, during independent work time, and as a fast-finisher activity for students who have completed their work. They can be used in small group settings, during Guided Reading, or individually. I will collaborate with teachers in my building to find the most useful and meaningful ways to implement them in ways I have not thought of.
This project will serve as a way to bridge the gap between my students of affluence and my students of poverty.
If the students of poverty in my classroom are not exposed to more advanced technologies now, the gap between them and their affluent peers will only grow exponentially as they continue in their education and future career. It is imperative to get the technology to them now throughout the day on a daily basis.
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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. Rose and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.