The 7th graders at this school have been told for most of their lives that there are many things that they "just can't have".
My students might not know what it is like to have all of the 'bare necessities' waiting for them when they go home, let alone access to a home computer.
Our grade getting a set of iPads to use is an incredible step towards catching them up to their techno-generation peers in the suburbs. Our school is situated in the midst of various apartment complexes and trailer parks; the iPads in the school likely outnumber the ones in the surrounding communities. Any extra resource that we can expose our students to is one step closer towards preparing them to break the cycle of urban poverty.
My Project
The iPad is a teacher's best friend when it comes to differentiation- that is, giving every student what they need. Students on an 8th grade math level and a 3rd grade math level can all be working on exactly the skills they are lacking, all at the same time. An abundance of math apps and websites are specifically designed to engage students, give them the experience of hands-on problem solving, and allow them to get instant feedback. In their science class, they are able to watch close-up videos of labs that we cannot do in the classroom due to limited resources, and they can work at their own pace on virtual lab demonstrations.
But, these students are seventh graders, and are still learning the art of wise decision making. A technology as invaluable as an iPad needs to be cared for and well protected against any 7th-grade fumbles. A class set of iPad cases to ensure that our iPads stay in fine working order will mean that students for years to come will enjoy their benefits.
My students will have exposure-many for the first time- to a technology that many in this world take for granted.
They will learn responsibility in caring for such an expensive resource. And, most importantly, they will learn that the kindness of a stranger reached out and chose them. That they are special, they are important, and they are worth it.
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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. Welch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.