Thank you so much, everyone, for your generous donations and making this project a reality. As we know, the school year in distance learning mode has not been easy for anyone - teachers, parents, and especially students. Engagement and motivation continue to be a challenge, and technological glitches are part of the norm. My overall project goal was to make sure to address my own lacking technology first - I did not have the tools to create the most optimal learning opportunities in the digital format. With this new MacBook Pro laptop, everything changed. What glitched, crashed, and generally did not work before, now runs smoothly each and every day. It's like going from a clunky old station wagon to a Tesla.
More to the point, my lessons are more interactive; more integrated with multimedia; and more diversified to meet all learners. The lightning fast platform can simultaneously share a ton of digital content without the worry of glitches or programs shutting down. It facilitates online lessons with speed, eliminates glitches in video and sound, and leaves both me and the students with a sense of relief that everything will work. As the teacher, and thus the leader of "mission control" I can flawlessly load multiple apps, multiple Chrome browser tabs, videos both on Youtube or downloaded to desktop, all while Zoom is running with the kids aboard. All this simply would not be possible on my old laptop.
As for online learning platforms, a couple of student favorites really stand out. First, a program called Pear Deck which synchs with Google Slides (Google's version of Power Point). Pear Deck allows Google Slides to be "interactive" - students can respond to questions by writing, drawing, agreeing/disagreeing, voting, placing icons on maps, to name a few... All this happens in real time and allows me to have immediate feedback. Many of our amazing class discussions have stemmed from student thinking on Pear Deck. It's been a real game changer for students who normally feel a little reserved about sharing (especially opinions) in our Zoom class. Another favorite is Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform. Like Pear Deck, Kahoot! allows for interactive content, but what the kids really love is the quiz game! I think most kids would agree that the trivia quizzes are often the highlight of the week. Both Pear Deck and Kahoot!, as well as dozens of other outstanding online learning platforms, run flawlessly on the new laptop. Stress eliminated and smiles all around.
We are now 5 months into distance learning (over half the year!) and I could not imagine trying to do my job without this laptop. In turn, I don't think my students could imagine it either. This amazing machine has met and exceeded our expectations of maintaining engagement, motivation, and learning - all with seamless technological functionality.
Once again, thank you so much for your kind and generous donations, and making this happen for both me and the kids. Now, if only we could all get back in the classroom...”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wilkins