My students need 4 Chromebooks to use in the classroom during reading, writing, and math. The Chromebooks will help improve accessibility for students with disabilities.
Do you know what it feels like to not hear sounds in words? To process information slowly and forget what you just read? To hear every sound that happens in a room? My students encounter these struggles every day. Tasks that we take for granted are a challenge for them. Technology can minimize this!
I work with a wonderful, diverse group of students ranging from first to fifth grade.
Students have a variety of disabilities, such as Autism, learning disabilities, and health impairments (such as epilepsy) which impact their learning. However, each student has their own personality and works hard every day to overcome their challenges.
I teach in a public elementary school in Virginia. Our school is welcoming and a great place to learn, however, it lacks resources that the middle and high schools are given. Technology is one department in which elementary schools are the last to receive updates. My students benefit so much from technology; it's a shame that money is what holds them back. We currently have one desktop in our classroom which takes 15 minutes (I timed it!) to load. We also can borrow grade level netbooks, but those also take 20 minutes to load. I have my teacher laptop, which is the only computer we can use successfully in the classroom.
My Project
Students will be able to access virtual manipulatives and videos to help during math class. In writing, students need to practice typing and learn to use the computer to write papers. Many of my students are weak spellers and will rely on spell check later in life. They will also be able to use the four Chromebooks with read aloud software to listen to books. There are also many websites students could access. We will make online books, create videos, and work on projects together. The Chromebooks are also helpful for students with social struggles because more pictures and video are accessible to help teach students explicit skills.
In our daily lives, we are surrounded by technology.
Students should have access to that technology every day in school as well. I am amazed at how fast students learn with technology. I can give them an app or website, and they don't need instructions. Students know what to do, and it allows them to use critical thinking skills. Using Chromebooks in my classroom will allow students to have access to technology which will make their lives easier and help them learn.
More than three‑quarters of 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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