My students need 3 Google Chromebooks for a more interactive learning environment that will inspire and motivate them to thrive in today's fast paced world. My students need to have access to current technology in order to gain 21st century skills as part of Common Core.
My students live in Orange County, and many have personal access to many technological tools like smartphones, netbooks, and tablets.
But currently, there is no practical way for all my students to access the Internet or web-based applications while at their desks. Since our school is not a Title I funded school, there is very little discretionary funding for these newest technologies which have such potential as LEARNING TOOLS rather than just distractions.
The abilities of the students in my classes range from GATE to learning challenged. Regardless of their academic needs, my students are wonderful young adults. My eighth graders are eager to try new things and see the world in new ways.
My Project
I love my tech savvy students. Right now, my students use technology everyday for games and social media. I would love to teach my students how to use technology as a tool for productivity rather than just as a plaything. With the Common Core emphasis on 21st century skills, students are expected to access, evaluate, use and manage information, analyze and create media, and apply technology effectively. How can we expect them to do this unless they have the proper tools in their hands? Technology in the hands of students empowers students. With this gift, I would be able to give my students access to the Chromebook to look up information, create presentations, take quizzes and submit assignments. This would help me make my classroom a place where I do less talking and students do more learning. My ultimate goal is to eventually acquire enough devices for each cooperative group of four to have access to a tablet or Chromebook.
21st century skills are no longer a "wish list" for California schools.
With Common Core, they are an imperative. School funding is not getting any better. There is no financial windfall on the way to provide students and teachers with the tools they need to master in order to be 21st century leaders. Having access to internet devices in my classroom would directly help my students achieve optimum learning of social studies content while learning imperative technology skills.
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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. Swanson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.