My students need Logitech speakers, an iPad to VGA adaptor to watch instructional Math videos as a whole class, and 25 pairs of headphones to do this independently.
Ever tried to get an abstract idea from someone communicating with an outdated method? Like trying to start a fire with sticks, you may become bored, unsure, frustrated, hopeless. What if students had an engaging, 21st century technology-rich experience geared toward their individual needs in math?
In a school offering advanced level math courses to scholars, my students represent the general student population, still striving to master the skills and concepts to prepare them for success in higher level courses like Algebra and Geometry.
While my inner city middle school students are at different learning levels, they all want to be proficient, successful students in their own right. They face a myriad of barriers in reaching their fullest potential. Many are bored or frustrated in school and easily distracted from their academic pursuits by peers, social media and opportunities. Some assume adult responsibilities at home and are stressed by life's challenges early. Some do not receive a lot of support for their goals and success. And, most of them have and are attached to their technological gadgets and phones. They brighten at the prospect of learning through technology. Our school was just given iPads, and my students are excited to use them as a tool to learn at high levels.
My Project
Students will be able to watch instructional and interactive curricular videos as a class on a projector connected to an iPad with a new VGA to Lightning adaptor cord, and hear them through a new class pair of Logitech speakers. Students will also be able to watch videos, play games and engage with curricular materials independently on their iPads using one of the 25 new pair of individual Sony headphones. Ultimately, students will have an opportunity to learn, practice, expand, and master a variety of skills and concepts independently and move on at their own pace. They will study pre-Algebra, learning about and solving problems involving rates, ratios, proportions, integers, linear functions, exponential functions, quadratics, the Pythagorean Theorem, and more.
Expanding the use of technology to include students' independent use will dramatically improve their engagement and time on task in math class.
Students will practice and expand their skill base, explore and manipulate new content, and have the ability to choose their own learning to a much higher degree. They will be more independent and empowered as they practice and develop their own abilities, without the fear of making mistakes, being wrong or looking bad in front of their peers.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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