Funded Nov 19, 2015First off I just want to send a big thank you to ConEdison & PwC. Without their support this project would not have been funded. We were lucky enough to receive two new laptop computers, two new Ipads, and one new laser-color printer. They have been in the classroom and are already making a big difference. The laptops run smoothly and fast. They enable students to use applications online. Going online enables students to see multiple ways of solving problems. Ideas and visual representations they might have never seen are now at their fingertips. The laptops help students to become less frustrated and more motivated. They are pushed towards higher achievement and the learning can become more differentiated. Students with different ability levels can work on problems that push them towards becoming better students instead of just giving up on a worksheet because they didn't understand it. Students are able to go online and solve real world problems. The Ipads allow for students to use math oriented applications. These applications are student specific, feature vivid colors, are very engaging, and student friendly. The laser-color printer has allowed the classroom to come alive. Student work has been printed, math friendly posters have gone up around the room, and students get excited to see their work in a color format.
The thing that I would say is most exciting to my students are the Ipads. The Ipads have a sleek, intuitive design and this allows for so much engagement. Our students are growing up in a technology friendly world and therefore they must be able to circumnavigate applications and online learning. The Ipads allow them to do this. There are guiding videos, interactive demonstrations, differentiated learning activities, and tools that enable them to do real world problems. They learn how to seamlessly transition from one problem to the other. They learn how to work independently. The Ipads have helped to foster an environment where students want to learn instead of just having to learn.
There are absolutely two students who have benefited most from the Ipads. They are my two students who are new to the country and still learning the English language. The Ipads help these students by providing pictures, teaching some of the strategies in their native language, and giving constant guides on how to do the problems. A couple of months ago these students dreaded coming to math. So much of what we do is task oriented. This means that students have to know how to read and interpret the problem and not just solve it. Now, instead of dreading coming to math they get excited. They know the problems will be on their level, they will be able to work through and solve the problems, and will be gaining a valuable insight into the math process.
The new technology has allowed the students and the classroom to blossom in color and excitement. Students want to use the computers, they want to search and understand math, they want to use the applications on the IPad. I have seen shy and timid students transform almost overnight. Without your kindness and generosity none of this would have been possible. Here at 131, we send our most sincere thanks!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Cleary