Our world is awash with the latest technological advances. Students today learn by viewing their learning in a unique way. My students do American Literature research, assemble in Prezi or Powerpoint, and present--all common core requirements.
These students will be coming back to school with an added burden.
Many of them have lost their homes in the May 20 tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma. They have lost everything, but must continue on when the bell rings on August 16. Even those who did not lose their homes still have major issues to deal with--the loss of lives and the upheaval of their existence in their hometown.
The tornado was only a block away from our school; so we were in the classrooms, hiding in terror from the possibility that hit and destroyed two of the grade schools nearby. Having the ability to use advanced technological equipment such as an iPad will touch their lives in a special way.
Technology is always a draw to our youth. They are constantly on their cell phones and computers staying in touch with their social network. All teens have a desire to be on top of the latest technological advances. Incorporating technology into the classroom will make learning real for these students.
My Project
Our youth of today understand best those things which can be presented quickly. With the iPad, my students will be able to take their research on American Literature history, famous writers, and concepts like tone and literary devices and present them to their classmates with an added flair--something they all understand.
Research has shown that the best and most sustainable learning is done by the students doing the work. The iPad will work with my Apple TV and SMART Board to provide visual and auditory opportunities for students to learn the material.
By reaching the student on their technological level, the retention of knowledge should increase substantially. Of course, modernizing the ways of learning will help accomplish meeting that requirement of our youth today--what's in it for me. If learning can be something students can identify with, the chances of their retention is beyond the classroom and into the real world.
Being able to use an iPad for and by my students will increase their level of learning.
I have lessons that can be incorporated into an iPad for presentation. It will give me the ability to walk around the room and engage my students rather than just sitting at my computer. One lesson idea involves the students playing a game, then developing sentences describing the action with verbs and other grammatical devices. The ideas are endless! The opportunities to reach students are amazing.
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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. Bronson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.