At the beginning of each week, my students set goals for their learning. Students work all week to complete their goals with learning opportunities. The students take ownership of their own learning at times through Daily 5 activities, and many of these can be facilitated better through 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 are able 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 mini iPads would enable time 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 min i-Pads 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 as well as practice with the standards via a web-based collaboration website, called Edmodo. My students are already using the site, but these mini 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 and weather. The mini iPads will help students use and enhance their 21st century skills as well, which will benefit 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 mini 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, as well as allowing students to take ownership for their own learning. The use of technology is a 21st century skill, so students need access to a variety of resources.
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