This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
About My Students
Many of my students view mathematics as an insurmountable obstacle. This year, I'd like them to see the subject as a set of tools that they'll use to interact with the world as well as better their lives and the lives of others. To do this, we need a class computing center.
My students are constantly bringing new creative problem solving strategies to our math classroom. The student leaders for this project are passionate about the newest technologies and the iMac is a state of the art all-in-one computing powerhouse. Through use of the iMac's size and speed, my students hope to bring all of the opportunities of the internet into our math classroom in a big way.
Their goal is to have a work station to access their favorite educational websites. For example, IXL.com is an incredible site which will allow them to take ownership of their own learning and create a course for them to interact with common core mathematics.
My students did tons of research in developing this project. They developed a long list of potential computers and eventually decided on the iMac due its large screen (great for group work), all-in-one form factor (great for our classroom) and built-in speakers (great for educational websites).
The world is changing more quickly than most textbook publishers can imagine. When my students graduate from college, they will enter a work environment which requires them to be dynamic problem-solvers comfortable with learning and using the newest technological advancements and tools. My students and I recognize the need to bring the newest technological tools and advancements into our classroom and then infuse them into our day-to-day lessons. The iMac has the unique capacity to bring together groups into team problem-solving situations which involve creativity and imagination. Think of a geometry lesson centered around the blueprints of a house. Individual groups can be put in charge of different aspects of the plans from the cost of the landscaping to the necessary materials for the roof. The iMac will allow groups to make improvements to the design and to share it with the class seamlessly.
In Their Own Words
We are trying to create a more successful math classroom by involving ourselves in more creative ways to solve problems.
An iMac gives us access to tools that can expand our knowledge and would help us understand hard math problems. It would also make our math class more active and make lessons more fun. Finally, an iMac would make struggling students want to participate more because they would want to try out the exciting, new technology being used in class.
We would be leaders in bringing the iMac into classrooms to problem-solve with art and technology. Our math classroom is divided into problem solving teams, and we would make sure each team has an equal opportunity to use the iMac. We will also research websites that can bring new learning opportunities to class. We can't wait for this learning opportunity!
Our school might not have the best technology, but the iMac will give us a chance to use tech to improve our understanding. Our class is preparing to move on to high school, and being knowledgeable about the latest technology will help to prepare us for the transition. Lastly, we think this project will connect the lessons we are learning in every classes including art, science social studies and math. We will take the lessons we learn with this technology and spread it to the community!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Larkin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
