Do you remember seeing that strange row of different computers in the back of your computer lab at school? I do and I'd hear those words, "that's the Mac lab, no one goes in there". I was scared away and I was the lab aid. I want my students to experience both types of operating systems now.
My students love to work on computers.
They look forward to computer class and right now are learning the proper placement for their fingers on a keyboard. Our school does have computers, but they are all PCs. At the university I attend, all the labs are Mac. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a college student be intimidated by that computer that doesn't look like a computer. I want to start my students in becoming able to use both operating systems, hopefully this way when they come across Mac-labs, they are able to get right to work.
Students in my class are eager to create. They are currently creating research books on ocean life and soon will be working on a classroom e-newsletter with their work in it. Can you imagine how wonderful it'll be for them when they find out they are working on the same machine professionals use?
My Project
I'm requesting the base-model iMac. I looked at the specifications and for what we would use it for, it would be perfect. I did request the wired keyboard as we'll need the 10-key pad. I also requested the program Parallels. Through Parallels, we will be able to take information from a program we wrote on a Windows program and drop in pictures found in iTunes. The screen is large enough that we could do a video chat with marine biologists and with the camera, they'll be able to see our class.
There are wonderful programs available on PCs and Macs.
I want to be able to have my students be able to use both sides of that. iPhoto and iChat will be wonderful helps as we do more with our ocean research. We can get photos from iPhoto and store them there so they are organized for the end of the year. We are landlocked in Utah, we don't have the opportunity to talk to many marine biologists. With iChat and the built in camera, we'll be able to chat with some great scientists.
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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. Francis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
