Students love technology! I enjoy incorporating different forms of technology, to enhance the learning environment in my classroom. However, currently we only have 3 desktop computers. This greatly inhibits the amount of collaboration and group work students are able to do with technology.
The school where I teach encourages collaboration and teamwork, which I work to incorporate into my classroom.
I demonstrate this to my fifth-grade students by co-teaching with another teacher. We get to interact with about 50 students each day, rather than a class of 24-25 students. Students enjoy switching and getting to collaborate with each other. We use a variety of strategies and techniques in order to enhance the learning environment for everyone. I incorporate group work, and small learning teams, as often as I can, because I find this is one of the best ways to teach new concepts. Collaboration can also be a challenge, because of the diversity 50 students bring to the table. These i-Pads would enable me to differentiate instruction for a variety of learners. Technology is a great tool for struggling students, because they can interact with new concepts in a visual, tangible way. These iPads will encourage collaboration between all students, in the classroom.
My Project
These mini iPads will be used, in a variety of ways, in my classroom. Students will use them during reading stations, to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, via a web-based collaboration website, called Edmodo. My students are already using the site, but these iPads will make the site more accessible to students. I will also use Google applications, to enhance the learning environment for my students. During science, students will use the mini iPads to discuss findings in experiments, based on science units, including ecosystems, human body and genetics, motion and design, and weather. The mini iPads will help students use and enhance their 21st century skills as well, which will benefit them in their future. In this day and age, students must know how to use technology-based resources, in order to be successful in later schooling, and in their future careers. My job is to help my students get ready for their individual futures, and these iPads would greatly help that cause.
Mini iPads will change the environment in my classroom, because more students will be able to access technology.
Currently we only have 3 desktop computers. Students will be more engaged in instruction, and the use of technology will also encourage collaboration between students and the teacher. The use of technology, is a 21st century skill, so students need access to a variety of resources. These i-Pads will enable students to learn new skills, which they can use in their future.
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