I have a curious set of diverse students who are eager to learn and explore new topics. Unfortunately, disengagement has become something of a common denominator across our school district over the last few years and more than half of students in our school are from low-income families. We have found that starting as early as elementary school, it has become increasingly difficult to get children to school on a regular basis. In spite of this, the student’s energy inspires me to create meaningful and memorable lessons across the curriculum. The activities that we complete, both in and out of the classroom, are also greatly restricted by the socioeconomic makeup of our student body, as well as the absence of a budget for technology in our 5th-grade classroom.
We are all educating our children to succeed in a world where technology drives critical thinking, creativity, instruction, and collaboration.
As teachers, we can prepare students for jobs that have yet to be invented. The students themselves are very willing to work in school and take the opportunity to utilize the limited resources that are available.
My Project
My kids are clamoring for more access to computers and technology. Not all students can afford their own device, but all students deserve the opportunity to access the content one can provide. With our current school budget, we can't seem to close the digital divide for our financially challenged students who need to be confident in the latest advancements technology can offer. As a whole class, I am seeing students failing multiple classes both from absenteeism and disinterest in the subject areas. The students are attending less and less days and it is affecting the way they are learning and how I am teaching.
When students have access to Chromebooks, they can have the tools to take charge of their own learning.
They can go at their own pace, whether faster or slower, that will allow them to master the skills they need. We have a large number of special needs students and English Language learners, who become easily frustrated and uninterested when the work is above their level. Using a Chromebook can make the work easily adaptable to meet their personal needs. I want my classroom to be a safe and inviting place to learn and explore new ideas and the Chromebooks will only enhance this.
More than three‑quarters of 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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