#TECHFORWYATT Fundraising Campaign
Help Wyatt bring new technology and learning tools into every classroom with a tech donation!
|
Look at the many ways Mrs. Lazarus' 4th grade class at Wyatt is using technology!
Mrs. Hentges' commentary on this video:
This short video demonstrates more than students simply explaining examples of the tech they like to use in the classroom; here are some important things to note:
First of all, presenting with video is becoming the norm, not the exception. Student creativity is enhanced due to all that is available to them and many of the kids in this video elude to that. Students and adults enjoy learning this way. As most of you know, YouTube is the first stop for most people when you want to learn something, and see examples of how to do something.
Note that students are comfortable with the language of technology - "customize, interact, edit, archive, slides" just to name a few common terms...
One young man explains that in the past he really didn't like to write, but now he is combining reading, writing and technology and he's finding that he's enjoying it more (this is instilling the idea of self-reflection-he is beginning to understand himself better as a learner). This student may have been like other students who say things like, "I just don't like writing", "I just don't have any ideas", "This is too hard" - for these kids, writing can be painful and teachers use much of their class-time trying to convince them that they CAN do it! But, there is no doubt that tech tools have changed the mind-set for many kids; writing is an opportunity to share their idea rather than an exercise of pain and disconnectedness!
He also talks about earning rewards, but notice he's not talking about a trip to the treasure box, but enhancing his Avatar. Today's kids are growing up in a 'gaming culture' - there are lots of great things that can be achieved through gaming.
The two boys talking about Today's Meet explain that by reading the shared thoughts of others working on this same project, they get ideas for their own work (they are careful to add that they re-phrase similar ideas) this shows that they have already been exposed to lessons about plagiarism. The seeds are planted now so that by the time they are doing serious presentations, they have internalized the idea of integrity and authenticity of their own work.
Parents please note that these are not isolated activities - while any and all of these students are working on various projects in their classroom, the teacher moves from student to student, group to group, asking guiding questions to keep them on track and constantly evaluating their own work and use of their time. For that reason the classroom teacher serves as a facilitator and supports kids as they are learning. Teachers have had to completely transform their view of their role as a teacher, and have to become learners all over again in so many areas - to become familiar with the latest platforms of technology our teachers are engaged in ongoing training, and professional development.
At Wyatt, we are a community of learners; students as well as staff. Our school needs to mirror today's world and we are committed to preparing our kids so they will thrive and contribute in our society. Please support our technology drive!
This short video demonstrates more than students simply explaining examples of the tech they like to use in the classroom; here are some important things to note:
First of all, presenting with video is becoming the norm, not the exception. Student creativity is enhanced due to all that is available to them and many of the kids in this video elude to that. Students and adults enjoy learning this way. As most of you know, YouTube is the first stop for most people when you want to learn something, and see examples of how to do something.
Note that students are comfortable with the language of technology - "customize, interact, edit, archive, slides" just to name a few common terms...
One young man explains that in the past he really didn't like to write, but now he is combining reading, writing and technology and he's finding that he's enjoying it more (this is instilling the idea of self-reflection-he is beginning to understand himself better as a learner). This student may have been like other students who say things like, "I just don't like writing", "I just don't have any ideas", "This is too hard" - for these kids, writing can be painful and teachers use much of their class-time trying to convince them that they CAN do it! But, there is no doubt that tech tools have changed the mind-set for many kids; writing is an opportunity to share their idea rather than an exercise of pain and disconnectedness!
He also talks about earning rewards, but notice he's not talking about a trip to the treasure box, but enhancing his Avatar. Today's kids are growing up in a 'gaming culture' - there are lots of great things that can be achieved through gaming.
The two boys talking about Today's Meet explain that by reading the shared thoughts of others working on this same project, they get ideas for their own work (they are careful to add that they re-phrase similar ideas) this shows that they have already been exposed to lessons about plagiarism. The seeds are planted now so that by the time they are doing serious presentations, they have internalized the idea of integrity and authenticity of their own work.
Parents please note that these are not isolated activities - while any and all of these students are working on various projects in their classroom, the teacher moves from student to student, group to group, asking guiding questions to keep them on track and constantly evaluating their own work and use of their time. For that reason the classroom teacher serves as a facilitator and supports kids as they are learning. Teachers have had to completely transform their view of their role as a teacher, and have to become learners all over again in so many areas - to become familiar with the latest platforms of technology our teachers are engaged in ongoing training, and professional development.
At Wyatt, we are a community of learners; students as well as staff. Our school needs to mirror today's world and we are committed to preparing our kids so they will thrive and contribute in our society. Please support our technology drive!
These videos show how teachers can use technology to bring creativity, innovation, teamwork, and character-building to the classroom!
|
This video at left was made in conjunction with the "Connecting Comprehension and Technology" toolkit being used by our teachers at Wyatt Elementary. |
Prepare our students for the future with technology today!
Our Goal: 120 tablets (Chromebooks and iPads)
Total Required: $1,500 per classroom
How can I help?
Any amount you donate will help our students. A donation of $40 per child will provide 10 tablets per grade level. We encourage you to involve grandparents and family, local businesses and use corporate/employee matching programs. All donations are tax deductible (Wyatt PTA Tax ID#75-2863557).
Why should I donate?
Donating is completely voluntary and optional, but this fundraising campaign will have a direct impact on our children. Our teachers want to use tablets to reach diversity in learning styles, encourage collaboration, help students stay engaged and be better prepared for the real world environment and their future careers.
How do I donate?
Online: https://pisd.parentconnect.net
Checks: Drop off checks in the PTA treasure box in the Wyatt office (payable to Wyatt PTA)
Questions?
Contact Esther Rutnam - [email protected]
Our Goal: 120 tablets (Chromebooks and iPads)
Total Required: $1,500 per classroom
How can I help?
Any amount you donate will help our students. A donation of $40 per child will provide 10 tablets per grade level. We encourage you to involve grandparents and family, local businesses and use corporate/employee matching programs. All donations are tax deductible (Wyatt PTA Tax ID#75-2863557).
Why should I donate?
Donating is completely voluntary and optional, but this fundraising campaign will have a direct impact on our children. Our teachers want to use tablets to reach diversity in learning styles, encourage collaboration, help students stay engaged and be better prepared for the real world environment and their future careers.
How do I donate?
Online: https://pisd.parentconnect.net
Checks: Drop off checks in the PTA treasure box in the Wyatt office (payable to Wyatt PTA)
Questions?
Contact Esther Rutnam - [email protected]