I have never seen a more exciting group of students than my 7th and 8th graders. I work with a heterogeneous group of students. Some students are advanced in their coding skills while others are not. This creates for a wonderful dynamic. Those students who are advanced are eager to learn and at the same time, interested in helping their peers. This creates the opportunity for students to become peer mentors. We have students teaching students.
Our program allows students to take ownership of their learning.
We provide experiences such as project based learning. Students learn a number of skills. First, students learn to make real world connections. They are challenged to identify problems in their communities and to address those problems using technology. Student collaboration is structured. This ensures that all students have an active role and are involved in the entire process from beginning to end.
My Project
This is the professional learning opportunity I’ve been looking for in a long time. There are three reasons why this opportunity matches my interests and needs. First, the training will make use of the equipment we currently own in our library. We own Micro:bits, Makey Makeys and Arduinos. So far, I’ve been using them independently. This training will provide me with the ideas and curricular resources to know how to use all three seamlessly in an integrated unit. Second, this will be the first training of its kind that I have ever attended. What I know about coding has been self-taught. I look forward to hearing from professionals who know how to use these resources and can provide valuable insights into the teaching and learning process. Third, the training will implement the learn by doing model. That is how I learn best. I know I will walk away with a higher level of confidence and skill that will benefit my students.
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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 Mr. Picazo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
