Technology for Literacy and Jobs in STEM

My Students

When I ask students to utilize technology as a tool, I see students fully engaged in their learning. Whether it be learning to read, conducting research, building community, completing math tasks, or writing creatively, the options are limitless when students have access to technology.

I teach at a Title 1 school where greater than 50% of students are living in poverty.

My class is made up of diverse learners, including students who speak English as a second language and students with learning disabilities. According to learningally.org, "when used the right way, increased access to technology has closed the achievement gap for minority students with special needs, students with limited English proficiency, and students identified as at risk." The International Society for Technology in Education states: "Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. Technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions -- as accessible as all other classroom tools." Students, especially those living in poverty, deserve the opportunity to utilize technology at school.

My Project

Obtaining two more Chromebooks will further advance access to technology. Students will gain extensive knowledge and use of Google for education, Google applications, and they will become fully engaged in their Google Classroom accounts. They will conduct research using digital tools as well as use file sharing tools to share documents and collaborate. Students will create and edit digital audio and video files using iMovie, YouTube, Vocaroo, and QR Journal. Students will gain familiarity with photo editing tools to create unique images for classroom projects using iPhoto, PhotoBooth, and PicMonkey. Mathematics skills will be enhanced as students use video content on Kahn Academy, Learn Zillion, and TedEd. Chromebooks will allow for the use of digital applications and extensions to annotate and highlight text that will improve and enhance literacy. Students will have the ability to safely integrate classroom chatrooms to use alongside activities, presentations, and discussions.

Chromebooks in our classroom will change students' lives for the better.

Jobs and careers in science, technology, and engineering are growing. When women and minorities have exposure to technology at a young age, there is a higher likelihood they will obtain a career in one of these growing fields after graduating. Join me today in making technology equitable and accessible for fourth grade students at our Title 1 School in Milwaukie, Oregon.