The challenge facing all public school students is this: our schools are too far behind technologically to teach the current generation adequately. If we don't start incorporating computer technology into all classrooms soon, our students will not be prepared for the future.
I teach at a middle school in Queens, New York--the most diverse county in America.
I'm responsible for the literacy development of over 800 students. These students do their work. They try very hard. They love math and science, but I find it difficult to motivate them to read worn out books and write in old marble notebooks in a world where the eBook is gaining prominence. Their literacy scores are not nearly as high as their math scores. Many colleagues believe the current generation just don't have the attention span of previous generations because they're so inundated with technology, but I believe that we just haven't figured out how to use technology to grab their attention. My students love to read websites, but they don't consider that to be "real" reading. They love to write text messages, but they don't consider that real writing. I want to bring technology into class to show them how they can use it to learn.
My Project
I want to start simply. My classroom is now equipped with a number of computers (some received through Donors Choose), but we still lack basic equipment. To have a fully technological class, I need to have printers that work. While acquiring printers was easy, ink is very expensive and runs out fast. This project will simply and effectively allow my students to use technology to enhance their writing skills by enabling them to actually print out and display their work. Many of my students have printer issues at home and wait hours at a local library just to print their homework. Providing them with this basic service in my classroom brings me one step closer to having a twenty-first century classroom.
I believe that investing in technology like this is the best way to change education.
Many people ask me, "Do you think one day all students will use computers and printers in every class?" I tell them, "that day should have been five years ago." By the time we have enough money to give all classes computer access, there will be something newer and better that we can't afford. If you can help me start modernizing my classroom now, I believe I can make a real difference. Thank you!
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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 Mr. Sweeney and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.