My students need 8 laptops to gain access to online library resources such as ebooks, online catalog, databases, and specific pathfinders designed for research.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
A typical day in our library includes servicing students from grades Kinder through 5th grade.I have small groups engaged in a literacy lesson while we offer flexible scheduling for others to check-out books and materials throughout the day.Our reading corner serves as a place to cuddle with a book.
Our school is located in south Texas near the border of Mexico.
Our student population is nearly 100% socioeconomically disadvantaged and are English Language Learners. Most of them don't have computers at home and have never used a computer before attending school. I believe these special circumstances make our students more passionate about their education and always aim to please their teachers. They realize they need to work hard to make something of themselves. At our school we foster the love of learning through mutual respect and constantly striving to give all our students the opportunity to succeed. Our school has many programs in place to keep our students moving forward such as mentoring, tutoring, family theme nights, student council, UIL, and monthly student assemblies to recognize all efforts. Our administration is directly involved with student achievement as well. You wouldn't be surprised seeing our principal in a classroom demonstrating a lesson.
My Project
The laptops will be used in the library for a variety of lessons and self-guided instruction. Students will access district online databases such as GALE Group, EBSCO, KidTopia, etc. to research specific subjects. These databases include access to magazine articles, videos, newspapers, and encyclopedia. The mobile devices will allow students to use the online catalog to search library materials as well. The most popular use the laptops will have in our library would be to access the vast list of web 2.0 tools available to our students through our library website. These online tools will allow students to create, evaluate, analyze, and think critically all by having access to a mobile device. An example of one of our favorite online tools is Animoto. This online-based program allows students to create videos that could potentially be to summarize a book they've read; they could create a book trailer (sort of like a movie trailer) to hook other readers who watch the video.
By allowing our students to have access to laptops in the library they will be able to extend their learning outside of the classroom.
Creating projects online, such as an Animoto video, will not only add novelty to students' learning but it will allow the students to experience learning applying technology. Students need to be allowed to think outside the box and this is where we, as educators, come in to expose them to learning and thinking off paper and pencil.
Nearly all 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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