As technology continues to change from year to year, so do the needs of the students who use this technology. My students are learning to use user friendly programming called Scratch and Alice. These programs allow my students to create 2D and 3D animations by using a drag and drop environments.
Our school is a Title 1 school that has over 2200 students.
We are an optional school that has both challenging advanced placement courses and traditional courses that fit the need of our diverse school population. We offer a variety of clubs, sports, arts, etc. that meet the needs of this diverse population of students. I currently teach students who rank high in their classes to ones that currently have specific accommodations to fulfill their educational needs. My students choose to take this computer class not only because it is a fun and interesting class, but many have aspirations of continuing their interest in computer science and eventually enrolling in advanced placement computer science courses. This course is an elective course that incorporates higher order thinking by utilizing these students knowledge of previous math, science, and language arts. I also hope is that I can instill in these students the importance of volunteering and the gift of giving back.
My Project
Scratch and Alice are programming languages that allow students to create 2D and 3D projects and games. Instead of my students just "consuming" games, they should be making them, learning and applying a host of skills and knowledge in the process (geometry, physics, algebra). Plus, games offer opportunities for exploration, intellectual risk-taking, and pure creative adventuring. Many of these programs require the students to listen to instructions and the completed game or project through the computer's sound system. With the use of the headphones/headsets, the students will be able to listen to the program they have created without disturbing the rest of the class. These headphones will be used for approximately 100 students in my classes.
Not only will I be very appreciative for your support of this project, but I am certain that my students will be too.
Many of these students do not have the funding to purchase these headphones, so your donation will be used by students who will know that their future is important and people will do whatever it takes to make their educational experience successful. I am truly a believer in the concept of "pay it forward" and my goal is to teach my students the importance of giving back.
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