I am a veteran kindergarten teacher in east central Alabama. I have seen trends come and go in education, but none so powerful as the insurgence of technology into public education to enhance student learning. I have been invited to attend the Willowood Technology Institute in Sherman, Texas.
Our elementary school is a preK through 6th grade school located in east central Alabama.
More than 50% of our students receive free or reduced price lunch. Our school serves approximately 800 students.
Students at our school are innovative and resourceful. We strive to attain high standards at our school in every way possible. The insurgence of technology into public education has been a powerful movement in Alabama. Our school participates with Jacksonville State University's outreach program called CORE. We are a part of a network of educators who are searching for and creating innovative methods to deliver instruction to students K-12 with technology.
At our school, students in grades 4-12 have a personal iPad. Grades PreK - 2nd have class sets of iPads. Our challenge has been to develop sound guidelines that promote creativity and problem-solving when asking our students to use technology to learn. We are continuing in the search for information!
My Project
I need funding to attend the Willowood Technology Summit. The exchange of ideas at this training will include discussion of methodologies, pedagogy and creative uses of technology to enhance classroom instruction. Participants are specially selected and are invited from all around the world to participate in the experience. Many Apple Distinguished Educators are included. The objective is to create a "think tank" where new and original ideas can be hashed out in an environment conducive to thinking and learning.
Students in my classroom will reap the benefits of this training because of resulting greater equity for iPad use in the daily classroom, stronger content, more focused curriculum, and more diverse use of technology. A concentration on moving from "teacher show" to "student do" will be the foundation for planning. Students will be creating models, video projects, digital stories, and documentaries with the use of technology available to the students.
The number one most powerful way to improve a classroom is by improving the classroom teacher.
The measure of quality in a classroom is closely associated with the teacher's ability to think creatively, solve problems and adapt to change. Exchanging ideas with highly creative educators who have "been in the trenches" and have been successful results in open minds and new ideas. This unique experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an early childhood educator!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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