My students need these 2 MacBooks and a printer to create class technology stations for science research/projects as they do not have regular access to a computer lab.
I teach 2 classes of 33 students. Each class receives 50 minutes of science instruction daily. The specific academic language of science has been difficult for all students, regardless of their abilities. I believe that access to class technology will improve their comprehension and engagement.
My students represent a diverse range of cultures including Pakistan, Egypt, Tibet, Korea, China, Japan, Germany and Mexico.
They are also highly differentiated ability-wise: I have 5 English learners and 10 students who receive/should receive daily learning accommodations. I also have a high-achieving group of students. My 2 classes are evenly split: 1/3 A/B students; 1/3 average/C students and 1/3 who struggle to achieve a D or above. While we have a supportive parent community, we do not have enough resources to pay for a computer teacher or to have our computer lab open on a daily basis. Additionally, our lab computers are outdated and are not connected to a printer. With no class aide, it is an unmanageable exercise to go there for 30 minutes. It is important for students to have the opportunity to explore our curriculum, particularly science, via the Internet (research, skype talks with other students or experts, science websites/videos, news articles, project resources).
My Project
I currently have one iPad for students to share when they research topics. The addition of 2 macs and a printer will provide a much broader range of technology opportunities including:
* rotating student assignments to research, print and present daily science-based current event topics
* differentiated research opportunities for high-achieving students like iMovie creation based on an extension lab, Prezi presentations and newsletters
* differentiated research/presentation opportunities for other students including simplified topics, graphic presentations
* in-class report research
* opportunities to skype with other 6th grade classes (internationally) or with an expert whom we could not visit via a field trip
* weekly research for news articles/videos to supplement our weekly science text and study guides
All of the planned activities provide all students with a higher degree of engagement and higher-level thinking, both of which are critical to the current common core classroom focus.
Engaging students, regardless of their learning abilities, is always a challenge.
The technology stations with these 2 macs and a wireless printer will provide ongoing opportunities for students to develop projects they are interested in pursuing and challenging themselves through creative projects such as movies, graphic presentations and written assignments. Unless my students acquire better access to technology, they are not going to be able to keep up with peers from other schools/districts.
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