Past projects 4
iLearn and iCreate with iPads
Funded Oct 21, 2015I'd like to thank you for the additional technology you have provided for my classroom. Adding more iPads and iPods has enriched their learning and made learning more fun, interactive, and allowed students to display their creativity in ways that wouldn't have been possible without these tools.
My students have used the iPods and iPads to create iMovie trailers to present new books to their classmates and encourage others to read. They have also created mock news reports and interviews using various apps such as TeleStory and PuppetPals. The apps have allowed them to create scripts and stories and present in unique ways. They are able to email and share their presentations with their parents once they've presented their products to their classmates. I have continued to purchase ebooks that allow students to take notes, save and share their thoughts with their classmates through the devices. Students have even come up with their own personal projects on their own after being exposed to various apps. I have seen students prefer the creation and presentation apps over games!
The most exciting part of having these tools is seeing my students engaged in their learning, collaborating with each other, and using communication skills to present their finished products. I have seen my students become more confident and proud 2nd graders. All my students now have opportunities to work on their projects without feeling pressed for time or having their work remain incomplete due to not having enough devices.
Over the past couple of years, Chevron has supported my classroom through generous donations and I am so grateful for your contributions to my classroom. I wish there was a way for Chevron to come in to see all the completed projects and the smiles you have put on my students' faces. I am extremely proud of my scholars. It feels great sending my students to third grade more tech-savvy, creative, and enthusiastic to learn.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morales
More Technology To Reach More Creative Learners!
Funded Oct 14, 2014The looks on my students' faces at the beginning of the year after receiving the boxes of new technology was priceless. They awaited anxiously as we unpacked the tools and set up each one. We imagined all of the opportunities they would have throughout the year.
I could never thank you enough for your generous donations that provided my students with the proper tools they needed to boost their technology skills. The ideas I had as I wrote the grant were multiplied as I researched all the rich learning opportunities there were out there once our project was funded. I had many hopes for my students' learning this year. I could have never imagined the actual impact this technology would have on my second grade students.
This year I was able to introduce many programs that allowed my students to use their creativity to demonstrate their learning. The iPads and iPods allowed my students to work in pairs or small groups to create presentations using various presentation apps such as Power Point, Educreation, iMovie and so much more. The iPads/iPods have made learning more interactive with the use of websites such as Padlet that has allowed my students to participate in virtual discussions. My students learned to create reader's theater scripts and create puppet shows using apps available on the iPads. These additions improved my students' technology skills beyond what I had hoped for as second graders. The few pictures posted are only a fraction of the learning and fun that took place in the classroom this year. I can only hope that with more exploration for the remainder of the year, my students will become much more tech-savvy and continue to apply these 21st century skills throughout their educational careers. Learning through such programs could have not been possible without the implementation of these iPads.
Thank you for all you do to ensure that technology is placed in the hands of our young learners!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morales
Re"Kindle: Our Interest In Reading With Kindle Fire
Funded Oct 25, 2013The day after our project had been funded, I shared the news with my students during read aloud. They shouted for joy and asked about when they would arrive and how long would be able to keep them. When I told them it was a gift for the class to keep for the year, they were in disbelief. They could not believe that someone had actually donated Kindle Fires to our classroom. We were able to receive 2 Kindles and had to order a replacement item because the remaining Kindles had been discontinued by the vendor from which we ordered. Our replacement was an iPad mini which was even more exciting to the students. They knew that they could now have 2 brand new items to explore.
At the current moment, students are using the Kindles mainly to read books that were purchased previously. I have also downloaded several educational apps to practice math and reading skills. My students love practicing math during workstation time and reading books on their free time. We have also used the Kindles to buddy read books.
Both the kindles and iPad have motivated my reluctant and struggling readers to read books that are on their independent levels and extend their learning through math games. My students have been using the devices since they've arrived and I can see the change in their love of learning.
I am excited to continue the use of these tools in the classroom throughout the years. Thank you for your support in my students' education. It has made such a huge difference!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morales
Technology Please!!!
Funded Sep 26, 2013I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for your generous donations that allowed my students to explore all that the iPad mini has to offer.
Upon receiving news that our project had been funded, I was eager to share the news. I immediately shared the great news with the class the next day. They were jumping for joy and could not believe that people had actually donated an iPad to OUR CLASS! I shared the names of the people who had donated, some of which were familiar to the students and others that were completely new. They immediately wanted to do something nice for you all after hearing that you had done something nice for our classroom. This is the power of giving. It is my hope that it creates a cycle of generosity within my students so that one day they may do something nice for others.
Currently, my students are using the iPad mini for many interactive math games that correlate with our math concepts. Sushi Monster (their favorite) involves pairing up numbers to match large sums. Math Bingo allows students to practice their basic addition facts. Arcademic Skill Builder allows students to play arcade-like games to practice math skills. They also use the iPad to read books using our Storia and Nook for Kids app. They enjoy the interactiveness of the books. Our iPad mini is also used for creating their own stories using our Storybook app.
The iPad has motivated my students to apply the skills they learn and instilled a desire to always learn more. It has become a great addition to their workstation time and has been used to extend their learning beyond what paper and pencil can provide.
I thank you so much for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morales