Which do you like more - games or homework? The answer to most of us would be GAMES! My students are no different. My students want to learn, but they need to be engaged and excited about it!
My school has a high percentage of low-income families.
My students are a diverse group, not just locally, but internationally: I even have students from Bangladesh. These students' parents are not usually able to help with math homework. They do their best to utilize at-home resources and soak in as much as they can in class.
In the last few years, my school has gone from a terror-zone to a well-run, safe environment for our students. However, their home lives have not changed. For many, the school is their only safe place. When students come to my classroom, they know they are safe, loved, and protected.
I have begun using laptops for non-native English speaking students, having them watch tutorial videos in their own language. I also use online applications or websites for reinforcement. It has increased understanding and helped my classroom. I would like to substantially increase the use of technology in my room next year.
My Project
I am requesting 7 iPads. My classroom next year is a video game. Using Alternate Reality Gaming, I will create an environment where the student is the player. They will earn experience points (XP) for each task completed. There will be class competitions and leaderboards (and of course awards)!
My students will have scaffolded instruction. Each student will be learning at their own pace. Standards-based learning and literacy will be authentic. Group work will be easier and more collaborative. Individual assignments will have greater meaning and more incentive. Because I will also be making video tutorials for each lesson, students who learn at a different pace can watch the lessons until they understand.
We will also be moving toward a paperless classroom. These iPads are the first step to that goal. All assignments can be completed and submitted on the iPad. Using websites like Edmodo.com, we will be able to use a single platform where the students complete all assignments on the iPads.
The donation of these iPads will make a true difference in my classroom.
Assignments will have immediate graded feedback. Students will be able to explore how math relates to their own lives. By donating to this project, you will be enabling low-income students access to technology they wouldn't otherwise receive, and in the process, open their eyes to a world beyond many of their imaginations.
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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. Anderson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.