"Zoom" in on the Screen, Scholars!

Funded Oct 29, 2020

Thank you so much for funding my project: "'Zoom' in on the Screen, Scholars!" and providing me and my students with a second monitor during this worldwide pandemic and extended time of learning from home. It has made a huge impact on all of us. I don't think any of us (teachers or students) knew what a difference it would really make, until we started using the secondary monitor. In some cases, it has actually become the primary monitor, as it is much larger than the tiny screen on our district-issued laptops.

Having a second monitor allows me to meet the students in Zoom immediately at the right time for each class period, see them on the larger screen so that I can actually see their smiling faces! This is great for motivation, rapport, and morale. It allows me to take attendance on one screen while looking at the students on the other, rather than trying to let them into class one by one as I take attendance from a waiting room. It also allows me to share my screen to teach a lesson on one monitor and interact with them and view their chat comments on the other at the same time! It is amazing!

Another aspect of this Distance Learning model that is particularly difficult is the necessity of sitting at a computer all day. I sometimes put in 10-12 hours or more of "screen time," by the time I teach, grade student work, communicate with students and parents, deal with all the school emails/meetings/documentation/other requirements, then plan lessons and set up for the next day. Repeat five days in a row every week, then continue off and on throughout the weekend; it is quite exhausting. At least with a second monitor, I can do some of those tasks from a standing position. Thank you so much for that little blessing.

As a teacher who teaches several special needs populations, it is extremely helpful to be able to see my students at all times that they have their cameras on. I have over 100 below-grade-level readers, over thirty English Learners, almost thirty special education students, and a number of children in foster care among my six class periods. Many of these students really need constant attention and additional encouragement from a caring teacher. The additional monitor that you provided me allows me to show these students that I truly care about them, their well-being, and their success.

I honestly do not know how I was able to get by without a second monitor as long as I did for the first several months of Distance Learning. I had no idea the extent to which this would be life-changing. Thank you so much for your generous donation. Thank you for making it possible for all my scholars to "Zoom in on the screen"!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Mayoral