My students need eight iPads to access our virtual classroom. Our technology is limited at school and having a classroom set of iPads would do wonders!
Each morning, we start with a journal entry. “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” With iPads, my students will have the opportunity to show what they've learned in their own ways.
My students are from a small, farming community.
Technology is limited, and they have only basic tech skills. They are also the most uplifting and positive group of middle school students that I have had the privilege to teach. My students are eager to learn and jump up every opportunity to use technology in the classroom. Their spunk and determination is nothing short of inspiring to a new teacher like myself.
My Project
We will use the iPads daily by accessing our virtual classroom (Goggle Classroom). Students will be able to access slides used during instruction, videos that supplement my instruction, and create projects on their own. Students will learn how to navigate through all Goggle has to offer (classroom, documents, etc), basic Internet etiquette, and improve upon their own typing and researching skills. By having access to the Internet during class, we can discuss credible and scholarly sources and compare them to those which are not credible or scholarly.
With many students fearing public speaking, having recording abilities on the iPad can help deter that fear. I plan on using the video function to calm students' stress and anxiety about speaking to the class by having someone they trust, from class, film their speeches. This will allow me to watch and critique privately and, hopefully, boost the students' self esteem.
It will give my students more of an advantage to learn, create, and demonstrate their own understanding.
With the iPads, we will be able to easily access resources online. Having direct access to the Internet will not only give my students the opportunity to explore, it will also be a great teaching tool for digital citizenship. Today, more than ever, the education field is using the Internet. i believe that building a solid foundation of Internet ethics now will benefit my students long term.
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