Fair is not equal. Fair is everyone getting what they need. This is a well known saying in the education field and the foundation behind acquiring a mini laptop computer for our classroom. All students need the experience of technology, but to some it is the way to success in everyday learning.
Some students can learn in any environment with virtually no resources.
These students elude my classroom. The students in my classroom learn numerous ways, many of them struggling along the way. One way I have learned to adapt to these struggles is by providing students with interactive learning.
Many of my students have learning disabilities that prevent them from flourishing in the traditional classroom. Providing them with the tools they need to succeed levels the playing field between them and their peers.
We are a low-income, Title I school with limited resources and high risk families. With recent budget cuts our school has been unable to replace teachers that have vacated their positions. Consequently, we will have more students in our classrooms. This creates another issue of providing space for the students. Our classrooms are small, however the nature of the 5th grader is to grow bigger, which leads us to fill every corner of the room.
My Project
Our own mini laptop! I can hear the enthusiasm in their voices now. For most of my students pencil and paper work is as effective for learning as the straw house was for protecting the little pigs. They need to be involved with technology while learning. They need depth to the images they see, something they can touch, a tool that entices them to learn. With a mini laptop in my room students can take it to their desk to do research, individualized assignments, or work with a partner to create a response to skills that were taught. Best of all they can become accustomed to using a resource that they will interact with for the rest of their lives.
A mini laptop in my classroom opens up a world of possibilities to my students. They can use word processing documents, create spreadsheets, explore learning online, design projects, do podcasts, and more. A sense of responsibility and value will be ingrained into my students through this current learning tool.
In a world full of video games, TV, Internet, and ipads, making education exciting and relevant is a challenge.
With the resources provided through this project I will be able to bridge some of the gap in technology. By donating to this project you will affect the education of hundreds of students. They will be given a resource that is valuable to their current education as well as allow them to gain hands-on experience with a tool they will use for the rest of their lives.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Carey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
