My students need two iPod Touches for communicating and collaborating with their group members.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Strine's classroom raised $701
This project is fully funded
My Students
Today's students are literally stopped at the front door of the school building and asked to put away the technology that defines them. From cell phones, to iPods and iPads, students are asked to instead use texts, worksheets, and lectures to learn mandated content through a static approach.
These students are eight and nine year olds and many of whom don't have access to computers or other electronics at home.
While it is my job as an educator to get them excited for learning, they typically don't come in after the weekend talking about the latest books they read. They talk about time spent at their cousin's house or at the neighbor's, playing a video game or watching a movie. Comments like these are a constant reminder to me that the students of today are truly digital natives who learn best by active engagement, and not by passively sitting back and listening to someone feeding them information. As the old proverb says "Tell me and I forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand". Public education of today is a different institution than that of the past and technology usage in the classroom needs to become the norm, not the exception. The jobs these students have don't yet exist so keeping them up to speed with the latest technology is essential.
My Project
After using the devices in their classroom last year, the students have become very familiar with the technology and even came up with some of their own ideas on how to utilize the tools such as creating rough drafts of writing activities and recording their thoughts during a given activity. From common PC applications such as word processing functions, Internet search engines, and even Google Apps, more kid-friendly applications such as sight word and math flash cards, spelling and grammar games, and even the unforgettable Mad Libs, all provide motivating tasks for early finishers. While the well-known catchphrase "There's An App for That" reminds us of the modern convenience provided by this technology, there are certainly excellent educational benefits that teachers such as myself are constantly making a reality in elementary classrooms today. Beyond the literacy and math skills being reinforced, I would like to find more ways to highlight science and social studies skills.
Motivation for learning is such an important aspect of education that many overlook.
Many students go home to households where families don't encourage innovation through digital learning as much as they should because it's simply not an option. I am trying to excite students for learning beyond books, so that I can reach the learners of the 21st century each and every day. In the future I am hoping for students to take these devices home to ensure learning beyond the walls of the school.
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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