Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding ~ William Paul Thurston. What can be more fun than understanding math by watching your own teachers' created videos and then creating your own videos to demonstrate your understanding!
I want my students to learn in a 21st century classroom where they design, create, and innovate.
It's called problem-based learning, and it's the future of education! My students are 7th and 8th graders. They are energetic, kind, and "all over the map" academically. I co-teach math for our school's 7th and 8th grade special education students. Their socio-economical backgrounds range from homeless to privileged and many receive free lunch. The school is a rainbow of ethnicity's. Our school is located in San Diego, CA. Our students' interests include football, soccer, skating, and surfing...just to name a few.
My Project
The iPad I am requesting will allow me to create videos to post online to help the students with their homework and to create Web-quests for students to complete for extra support. For example, if we are working on simplifying fractions, I could create a video that shows students models of how to solve similar problems. By the end of the school year, my goal is for the students to create videos and upload them into a digital portfolio to show what they have learned. Students will use the iPad to create video projects, which allow students to develop their mathematical communication skills and teamwork. I will be able to record their presentations using the iPad and exterior microphone. All the recordings and documents can then be uploaded to a "cloud" where I can later assess them and add comments. It is the future of education and I can't wait for my students to lead the way! By being able to give my students a new tool to use, it will only strengthen their mathematical abilities.
This donation will change my students' lives by having them explore real-world problems and challenges while working in small collaborative groups which is filled with active and engaging learning.
Project-based learning inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying, including math. Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily through traditional textbook-centered learning.
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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. Denzien and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
