My students need an iPad to connect with community members so students can create authentic technology rich projects featuring local history and natural resources.
Imagine preparing students for employment opportunities that have yet to be developed. In the global world of evolving technology, this is what students and teachers face. My goal is to have students acquire skills that will make them successful in a technology based future job market.
My students come from a rural community located in central Maine.
My school consists of approximately 500 students of which I work directly with over one hundred. Though many of my students come from impoverished homes, they are proud youth who care about their family, school and community.
My Project
My school has a rich history of community based projects. Due to recent budget cuts and the changing times, we have unfortunately moved away from working in partnership with the community. Historically, we have found the highest levels of student engagement by involving our young people in meaningful community work rooted in the application of 21st century skills and tools. It is my mission to recreate these lost community connections. My vision is for my students to document and explore their local community history. We can also meet with community leaders and business people to discover all the wonderful things happening in our community today. Furthermore, we will be able to connect with significant historical figures from across the nation to enrich the school curriculum. Students will conduct interviews for primary and secondary source research and create iMovie documentaries, websites, or podcasts to showcase what they have learned.
Be it reestablishing community connections or connecting with experts and primary source individuals, the iPad will be utilized to enrich the learning experience of students.
However, the positive impact goes beyond the classroom as we will be able to network with historical experts both locally and globally. My students could be cataloging historical images for the local museum, conducting interviews, or utilize Facetime to connect with experts from around the world. The sky's the limit!
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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. Bellerose and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.