"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." -Edward Teller
My classroom holds a buzz of activity and is focused on giving kids the opportunities that they may not get elsewhere.
My 5th grade class is in a high-need, low income public school. Each of the students in my class is a vibrant, excited learner who looks for the next opportunity to gain knowledge.
Each child in my classroom is a unique learner who comes to school each day ready to achieve at the highest levels. As a teacher, it is my job to encourage the students to explore paths that they show a marked interest in. I also see it as my job to show my students that learning can be magical.
My Project
As technology continues to immerse our world it opens doors to our students in ways that were never possible. Teachers are now able to take their students to place outside the four walls of their classroom without ever leaving. I would like use Virtual Reality Goggles to take my students on trips around the world and to experience different Science topics through Google Expeditions, and PenPal Schools.
After experiencing a trip of a lifetime, I want to have my students create digital stories telling about their experiences.
PenPal Schools offers a 6 week VR field trip in Pakistan. My students are currently reading a book called, I am Malala. They are begging to know more about the area of the world that she comes from. They are intrigued by her story. Their interest inspired this project idea. They wanted a way to experience the world more through the eyes of Malala. Students will narrate their story as they experience their trips. Google Expeditions offers trips through the solar system, Ancient Rome, the ocean floor, the moon landing, Mars, and much much more.
Using Chromebooks they will record their digital story either in audio or video format using the WeVideo app. Students will work in teams to create these digital stories.The project will help them learn about communities outside of their own.
My hope is that as technology advances students will also be able to create VR experiences which will digital storytelling to a whole new level. This project is the first step on that road. The use of VR Goggles helps students become digital storytellers in a way that is not typical.
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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. Finley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.