With these funds I will purchase 15 iPad minis for my classroom. Yeah. I know. I'm skeptical too. iPads do not equal more learning. But I have a plan. 

• Goal #1: Students work collaboratively with greater attention to a specific and creative task completion -- 27 students per class means that the iPads will be used in partner work. Like it or not, the iPad interface provides an immediate and appealing medium for students to engage one another and the task at hand. I want my students to LOVE LEARNING TOGETHER!
• Goal #2: Students have greater opportunity to incorporate art and creative expression in response to the big questions we ask in my classroom -- iPad apps such as Paper 53 are an excellent medium for meaningful expression. 
• Goal #3: Middle school students are...ahem...slightly disorganized. They need to learn how to use organizational tools to prepare for next steps. Partners will organize their schedules, due dates, learning progression on apps such as Trello  and Google Classroom to keep it all together
• Goal #4: One of our big school goals this year: Knowing what kids know. Apps such as Poll Everywhere provide students the opportunity to give immediate, organized feedback to me, so I can know what to teach, reteach and who with. 
• Goal #5: I am passionate about teaching my students the differences between the GOOD the BAD and the UGLY of using technology for learning. There is a mountain of other excellent apps that provide students opportunities to engage Language Arts and Social Studies content. Part of our ongoing use of the iPads will weighing the value of engaging texts from our library versus use of apps. This is a crucial discussion for students to have. It is not nearly as effective when the technology is hypothetical. 

My students have limited access to technology both at home and in public libraries. Our school is working hard to increase student access. This would be a step in the right direction. 

• I have priced Ipad Mini's from anywhere between $190 - $220 x 15 = $3,000
• Cases are a must. Something basic and effective. $10 - $15 x 15 = $150 - $225
• Many of the great apps are free. However, I would like a small buffer for future considerations $100
• A cart to safely store and charge the iPads seems like a luxury, but essential for protecting the investment. This is the simplest I could find. $150 x 2 = $300

Back Up Plan