Apple iPad "Food for the Brain...."

Funded Mar 27, 2018

Today was a most remarkable day at P.S. 272. Upon receiving Sphero and Sphero Mini there has been a noticeable difference in my classroom atmosphere.

Most of my students do not have any type of technology at home. It can be because of the cost environmental factors and/ or other reasons. In the computer lab we have Thinkpads by Lenovo that the students use. However, that is the only hands-on technology that we had besides the smartboard. With your kind and generous donation my students have the chance to further their learning in a way they have not experienced before.

As soon as the students saw that we received (4) iPads the students were beyond excited. Now, they were going to have a chance to use the robots we received a few months back. In order to code them we needed iPads. This would allow students to work in pairs and groups.

Having the iPads, Sphero, and Sphero Mini it was an instant connection. The students are now able to make a distinction between input and output. In order to see the robot do something, you need to program or code it. The same goes for seeing the output or results. The children have been working together and problem-solving, various tasks related to these particular robots. Also, seeing how size can change the output of what you are aiming for.

Finally, from a teachers point of view... I definitely see a change for the better. The students are excited and eager to work alongside others to complete the task. Also, there are many students who are new to this country. They have trouble expressing themselves verbally, but willing not only to learn English, but to code as well!

P.S.272 students want to say, "Thank You" for believing in them and supporting our community.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Quaranto