Twenty-nine amazing fifth-graders, each with an iPad at a Title One school--a teacher's dream come true! We use a variety of apps to facilitate learning and produce evidence. Unfortunately, without a wireless printer in my room, there is limited availability to share tangible results with anyone.
My multicultural classroom consists of 29 fifth-graders, who use technology daily.
A couple of years ago, our Title One school received funding for iPads and continues to actively incorporate technology into teacher training and daily student instruction. Our school community consists of supportive families and creative students, who may lack the financial and stability advantages found in other areas. We are part of a large, diverse school district. Beginning my second year, here, I've noticed most students are proactive and compassionate. I've also been impressed with their resiliency and desire to learn. This generation seems to have an almost innate ability to follow lines of inquiry and curiosity, which is facilitated by the use of iPads in our school. Additionally, it's my strong opinion that students must learn at an early age to distinguish between worthwhile, useful, strengthening information and degrading time-wasters, thus enabling them to achieve their dreams.
My Project
The printer and ink will greatly enhance student learning and evidence sharing. Using a variety of iPad apps, they will be able to print posters and books, narratives and other writing, charts and graphs, pictures and collages: items to demonstrate their understanding of core concepts. They'll be able to display these projects and feel the joy and pride of accomplishment through effort. I envision my students being able to graph and display reading and writing data throughout the year, create educational mini-posters about math concepts, print illustrated original examples of figurative language, create historical and biographical timelines, share visual examples of changes to the earth's surface and other science concepts, etc.
The pre-sharpened pencils will save time and help keep students focused, as they will be able to just take one, when needed, without the distraction of sharpening. We write every day, in my classroom; writing by hand is still an indispensable skill!
Students will be able to carry tangible evidences of learning to their families, some of which do not have a computer in their home.
Studies have shown that family connection to a student's education is a vital factor. For a child to be able to show and enthusiastically explain a project, and the learning behind it, to his/her family will have a huge, positive impact on both. For some, it may be the means of opening up much-needed communication and positive feedback.
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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. Warren and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
