The cost of three Neos from AlphaSmart is $1132, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
It's difficult to teach middle school students to love writing. While I myself love Language Arts, many times students do not share the perspective! I teach in a middle school where 92% of the student population receives subsidized meals. Many students do not even have a dream of attending college. However, I try my best to pass on to them a love and appreciation for writing that I hope they will take with them through their lives.
One way I try to do this is by integrating technology into as many lessons as I can. Kids today have many electronic toys at their disposal: iPods, computers, cell phones, and more. It's hard for a teacher to compete with that. When a student has the option to type his or her work, using a modern machine like the Neo, writing becomes more enjoyable.
Students also must be able to see the practical side of writing. What is more practical than making money? Students often do not realize that there are many magazines in circulation that are constantly looking for student writing to display. In many cases, the magazines are willing to pay students for their work!
The Neo Word Processor is a great classroom tool. The Neo is a small keyboard with an LCD which is used for word processing. Students can type their stories and poems, edit them, use spell-check, save documents, beam them to a computer, and then print them out! While every teacher would love to have a computer for every child, many times neither the space, nor the money is available. However, the Neo Word Processor costs about a fourth of a good computer, is small and light enough for students to carry in a book bag, and is compatible with a classroom PC.
During this project, all 70 of my students will use Neos to type stories, essays, and poetry, as well as cover letters, and they will submit these writings to various teen interest magazines.
I believe that all students, regardless of background, need to learn to use technology. Not every student has access to a computer, but because many jobs require experience with computers, students must become proficient with keyboarding and word-processing skills. I believe that every student should have the opportunity to see his or her name in a magazine, newspaper, or anthology. It is an unbelievable feeling that they all deserve.
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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. Bridges and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.