My college professors used to say,"If you don't have enough computers just let students use their phones!" While this is a good philosophy, it is not an option for some schools in low income communities. Help my students use technology for academic purposes by putting computers directly in our room!
Recent studies on poverty in East Asia show that cell phones and internet access are just as important as food.
Yet, students in American public school students have access to an average of 1 computer for every 3.8 students. In Utah, that number skyrockets to 1 computer for every 5.4 students.
Students in low income areas are missing out on learning key skills to become successful citizens. Technology fluency is crucial to their success. But, in order to practice these skills in English, Science, Social Studies, Math, or any other class, students must have consistent access.
Only 73% of students have access to the internet at home. Many use their phones, but typing an essay on a phone versus a computer is incredibly difficult. Help us better support our learners by placing computers in our classroom so students can have access to research, reading, writing, and multimedia materials on a daily basis.
Each year, as we increase our technology, we move closer to our paperless dream!
My Project
Research shows that students need increased access to technology in academia. Being in a low economic area has decreased my students inherent access.
On a daily basis, 2-3 computers will be used each class period to support IEP and 504 accommodations where speech recognition software will be used for note taking and longer writing assignments.
Additional computers will be used on an as-needed basis for students for working on group projects and presentations, writing assignments, publishing work in contests, researching, checking grades, etc.
Having daily access to these materials allows instruction to include technology skills, and pushes us towards using GoogleDocs, GoogleSlides, and other apps that help students practice using more technology and less paper products!
Having direct access on a daily basis can make the difference between publication, academic recognition, a complete essay, and practicing basic skills like sending an email and attaching a document.
Our "tech savvy" youth is durable and ready to learn, but they can't run if they don't know how to walk, can't code if they can't turn on the computer, can't submit a resume if they don't know how to send an email, and they need your help to refine these skills!
Half 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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. McNamer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
