Teaching through Technology

Funded Aug 22, 2014

The students at Stanley Makowski are thrilled and over joyed about having a school iPad! Many of our students come from poverty and are unable to experience some of the fortunes that other children in this country have. For example, most families in our school do not have computers or other modern technologies. By using the iPad at school, they are learning about the different modern technologies that are available in helping them learn. The iPad has also taught the students about responsibility and taking care of other things.

The main use for the iPad has been to visualize our morning announcements. Instead of just hearing an adult come onto the loud speaker to say the announcements, they can see their peers deliver the news. One classroom (from 2nd-4th) grade is assigned to delivering the announcements for the week. The announcements include: the date, the pledge of allegiance, important news, our IB student of the day, and our school's essential agreements. The iPad is also used for classroom projects and for taping important events that take place in our school.

We have many students from diverse backgrounds that speak different languages. Sometimes, it can be difficult for our ESL students to understand the language without visuals. One way the iPad and announcements is helping our students, particularly ESL, is that it gives them a visual to put to the words they hear and makes what they are hearing more meaningful. For example, instead of just hearing the pledge, they can see it as well and understand the importance of it better. Because of the iPad and its influence on the announcements, students have been able to practice the public speaking skills. The iPad has also allowed students to develop their technology abilities through the various apps on the iPad.

Thank you for contributing to our donation and for helping our students learn!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Pinelli