Sandy: Technology to Tell the Story!

My Students

David Warlick said, "We need technology in every classroom . . . because it is the pen and paper of our time [and] the lens through which we experience our world." However, our classroom desktop is so old that trying to complete our newspaper on it is a grueling task! We are in need of an upgrade!

"It is not [just] about the technology; it is about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities..." said Marion Ginapolis.

However, my students cannot share their ideas and stories with others without some help! Shortly after Hurricane Irene hit our town, my enrichment students started a school-wide newspaper to keep their peers informed, but it has been a difficult process due to the lack of current technology available in my classroom. They are eager to share their knowledge and are excited about being reporters, researchers, photographers and editors, but the lack of updated technology becomes frustrating. I want to unleash their imagination, their desire to be writers, and document every second of it! Through their newspaper, the students who are a part of the Enrichment program can share their work with peers and parents as they continue to develop their ideas and writing and problem-solving skills. The possibilities are endless!

My Project

Students love to show their peers what they do outside of their core classes. In the enrichment classes in our grammar schools, we recently started publishing a school-wide newspaper. However, due to the lack of technology, an iPad would be a great asset to these students, as its capabilities would be fully put to use. An iPad would enable the students to do online research, type their articles, take pictures and even communicate with people outside the school for interviews and gathering information through Skype or FaceTime. Currently, our students are unable to do most of these tasks at school, due to our classroom computer being so outdated. Using the iPad for the newspaper will enable the students to further develop their research and writing skills, as well as encourage teamwork, give them experience with deadlines, knowledge of current events and project management skills.

Using current technology, like an iPad, allows students to bring the outside into the classroom.

Information awaits them at their fingertips! The school newspaper is just one way the students can use the iPad to develop their skills. They are left with a feeling of accomplishment when they see the finished product, a published newspaper. Using an iPad, students are able to research, take pictures, record interviews and document their progress, every step of the way!