I was ecstatic when I learned the WYSE Foundation would be giving each classroom at our school five new computers. Then, the other shoe dropped. While they would give us the CPUs, the school would have to pay for monitors, computer accessories, and any furniture we would need.
My twenty-seven third graders are sometimes silly, often talkative, and always bright.
Twenty-six of my students are English language learners, most of whom have parents who speak little to no English. The majority of my students come from low-income families and most do not have a computer at home. As a result, they relish the time they get to work on the computer.
Our students work extremely hard and have made our school at Title-1 Academic Achievement Award recipient. That means that that although the majority of our students come from low-income homes, they are performing very well on the state standardized tests.
My Project
Although we were able to find funds to buy monitors and cheap headphones, there was not enough for new furniture. As a result, teachers used whatever leftover tables they had, including old, rusted student desks. I was fortunate to have a rectangular table that I used for reading with my students in small groups. I managed to fit the computers on the table, and now read with my students on the rug.
But, there is barely enough room for five students to use the computers at the same time. In order for each student to be able to use his or her mouse, I have to prop up the keyboard away from the computer, making it nearly impossible to use both the keyboard and the mouse simultaneously.
I'm asking for two tables so that my students will have the space to comfortably and effectively use our new computers. This will allow them to conduct research, create documents, and visit interactive websites. I am also requesting new headphones that are more comfortable for my students' ears.
After teaching my grandfather how to use a computer, I can tell you that it is much easier to learn to use technology when you are young.
You are less fearful of making a mistake and are more curious about what you can do with the technology. Most of my students cannot afford computers or Internet access at home. Using the computers at school gives them a chance to practice what they're learning and, more importantly, to develop the computer skills they will need for the rest of their lives.
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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 Ms. Aulwurm and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.