Computers Help Reading and Learning More Engaging

Funded Dec 6, 2019

This technology has been so beneficial in helping my students learn. I mostly use the computers during my small group instruction, which is when I'm reteaching and reinforcing targeted concepts and skills needed in a smaller group setting. While I am with my small group, my other students get to use interactive learning applications on the computer. They use ST Math, Lexia Core 5, Starfall, Raz Kids, and Amplify reading. Working on these apps have been so useful for students learning because these programs meet students where they are academically and give them targeted instruction based on students' individual needs. This works great for intervention purposes when I am trying to help kids with concepts and skills they are struggling with. Another way we have used the computers is to do research when we were learning about different animal habitats and different prominent African American people during Black History Month. Overall, the computers we've received have helped students learn through accessing learning applications, provided students with access to information on the go, and have taught students computer literacy education which is important in this new digital age.

The most exciting part of getting computers for my students has been watching my students get certificates when they pass levels. For instance, one of the websites that we have access to is Lexia Core 5. Lexia Core 5 is a web-based reading program that provides systematic, explicit, and personalized learning on foundational reading skills of all abilities. The more time students get to work on Lexia, the more tasks they can complete leading to them to more opportunities to pass their levels. When students pass a level, everyone crowds around the student and cheers for them. It's pretty awesome to see! Additionally, I print out the certificate showing their progress. The students love being recognized and they are always so excited to take their certificates home to show their parents and family members how they've progressed in reading. With the new addition of our computers, my students pass levels much more frequently showing not only that they are improving academically, but it has helped foster a supportive and loving learning environment in the classroom.

There are a few students who have benefited more from using computers than the rest of the class. One of my students has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and it affects his ability to sit still, pay attention, and it affects his ability to show self-control. Using the computer allows him to be more involved in his learning because computers help satisfy all types of learners from visual, verbal, physical, to aural. I have also noticed that his participation in the classroom has dramatically improved because he wants his computer time. Another student that really benefits from using the computers is one of my IEP students. She is very low academically and normally she just sits at her desk and plays with supplies. Now with the computers, she is so excited to get on them and learn. She also loves to tell me the cool things she does on the computers. In addition, she like to run to me whenever she's on the computer and she notices that she is doing something I have taught the class prior. Watching these students show interest and enthusiasm for their learning, makes everything worth it as teacher!

Thanks again for the computers. I have already seen the impact that these computers have had on my students' academic growth thus far and its only been two months, so I can only imagine the growth I will see in June!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Williams