I want my students to find their voice as writers. Many of my students come from low-income, difficult backgrounds, and this has cratered many potholes in their educational journey. But, they don't know how much potential they really have. With proper resources, they'll realize they can achieve anything. The most surprising part is that, despite their troubles, they are the most optimistic and caring group of people I've ever known. I've never seen a student hesitate to help a peer struggling with writing an introduction; I always hear their concerns for others who are troubled. They inspire me more than anyone else. However, they especially struggle with writing, which is so heartbreaking because of how talented and dedicated they are. They have such amazing stories and experiences to share, but struggle to express these succinctly to wider audiences. I know how much it matters to them to be become better writers--when they achieve a good grade, or read my feedback on an essay, they glow with pride. Like anyone, they want to achieve, they want to contribute to the world, and they definitely want to be heard. It's my job to help them reach all three.
My Project
Technology has become an essential part of the world. Despite this truth, my students have limited access to technology, immediately leaving them at a disadvantage. With a classroom set of Chromebooks, my students will always have immediate access to technology, fully connecting them to their learning, inside and outside of the classroom. Chromebooks provide a seamless interface in Google Apps, especially Google Docs and Classroom. Students can easily collaborate together simultaneously using Google Docs, and can connect and share with other students in the classroom and beyond. As a class, we can immediately leave suggestions on a students' essay as they are writing it; we can be responsive to students' questions and inquiries and perform immediate research into a topic; and, I can easily differentiate, utilizing Chromebooks to reach students who are ahead or those who need extra support. There isn't a simple answer to this question--simply because this resource can provide so much.
With these Chromebooks, my students will be more prepared to be critical, thoughtful, and valuable members of their community.
Digital and critical literacy are essential to our changing world; if students learn how to use these tools to improve their skills, to research and explore the world, and to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal, they will be much more prepared to tackle the real world with rigor, grit, and experience. They won't be left behind--they'll be running ahead.
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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. Schmitt and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
