Do you remember being in school and having to cram at the computer table to do research or work on a project? My students still know that feeling. We have four computers in our class and 26 students, and all our computers are still tethered to the wall.
I teach two 5th grade classes with about 26 students in each class.
My students live in Mississippi and come from all walks of life and all socio-economic backgrounds. I have some students that do not have a computer in their home and others that have a computer but do not have internet access. My students enjoy using technology, but we don't get to use it enough because our lack of computers in the classroom. We do have a computer lab, but we have to share it with the rest of the school and it is not always available when we need it.
My Project
Going wireless will create so many more opportunities for my students. My students love to do projects but now most of their projects involve paper, pencil, and constructions paper. Having a tablet will allow them access to more resources and on-line libraries. They will be able to integrate video into presentations and projects. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge by creating PowerPoint, Prezi presentations and much more. My students will be able to participate in WebQuest to learn about a particular subject, and I will be able to deliver on-line lessons for students that need extra help. With the tablet my students will be able to do all this and more and not have to cram at the computer table, but be able to work at their desk, in the hall or in small groups on the floor (5th graders love the floor). Tablets will have a huge impact on my students and will change the way we do things in our classroom!
This project is just the beginning of "untethering" my students from the wall.
Having a tablet will allow them to work individually or in small groups anywhere, anyplace. Having a tablet will ignite their fire for learning, and allow them to make many more choices. Having a tablet will allow me to individualize lessons. Having a tablet will make our classroom a better place to learn!
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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. Neff and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.