Transforming Classrooms through Technology

Verified Non-Profit

$274

$799 goal

This Fundraiser Has Ended

Every share can raise $11

By LaFredrick Smith

Shadydale Elementary School

Category: Technology

Class Size: 60

Grade: 4th

The Description

With these funds I will be able to buy a class set (20) of Kindle Fires! I chose Kindles rather than iPads because of the cost difference. Kindle Fires come a wonderfully low cost and are capable of completing the same task in the classroom that an iPad would. My students will get to experience technology driven classroom at 1/5 of the cost (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Store/b?ie=UTF8&node=133140011)!

As you can tell from the pictures, I love using technology in my classroom. It is a great tool to ensure my students are engaged in learning and it plays many roles in ensuring that I am being an effective teacher. I am transitioning to a school where my students don't have a 1:1 ratio with technology.

I have seen the impact that technology has on student learning and achievement, and I want every student that I teach to have the opportunity to be impacted by the wonderful benefits of technology. Take a look at this article on 10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom - http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom.

With a 1:1 ratio of technology in the classroom, I will be able to do so many things with my students. I have listed a few below:

Present lessons using Nearpod - https://nearpod.com/
Have students set goals using FutureMe - https://www.futureme.org/
Hold class discussion using Pollev - www.pollev.com
Have technology engaged exit tickets using Kahoot - www.kahoot.it

These are just a few AWESOME ways I can use technology to have an impact on student ACHIEVEMENT, there are tons more!

"I don't use technology in my classroom because it's a buzzword or a trend. I use it because connecting my kids with the world will prepare them for the future."

Back Up Plan

If I do not meet my goal I will purchase as many tablets as I can with the funds raised. Having a few pieces of technology in the classroom will allow me to at least set up rotations for each of my students to go through and have time with the technology.

Fundraiser Updates (1)

Change to Goal Amount!

July 27, 2016

As you may notice, my goal amount has changed! Once my cause went live, it got noticed by a wonderful person! This wonderful donated THREE kindle's to my classroom! WooHoo! This means I only need 17 to complete my class set :-)

Investors (6)

$50

Herbert ONeil

7 years ago

$10

Tinnae Hamilton

7 years ago

$10

Anonymous

7 years ago

$50

Norma Marroquin

7 years ago

$50

Michael Joe

7 years ago

$103

Anonymous

7 years ago

Comments (1)

Norma Martoquin August 3, 2016

It's a pleasure contributing to the education of our children, our future. We need to come together to make a better country a united country and we definitely need more educators like Mr. Smith. Thank you Mr. Smith for always helping our children your children.

Norma P. Marroquin
Marroquin Realtor
713-935-5699

About the Creator

My first job in the education field was when I was 18 years old. I was substitute teacher for Navasota ISD. It was the weirdest thing being in a classroom of high school seniors and trying to get them to listen to me when we were all so close in age. That year really got me interested in the education field. I decided that I wanted to get more experience in the field to see if it was something I really wanted to do. I was hired on with La Vega ISD to be an after school teacher for an extended school hours program and an AVID tutor. During dismissal one day a student was crying due to some issues at home. That student refused to leave and would not calm down. He began telling me the issue at home; I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The student than ran into my arms crying, we ended sitting in the middle of the gym floor crying together. At that moment, I knew I wanted to work with children and have the opportunity to change their lives. Since then, I have worked as a Summer Camp Counselor, Math Tutor, After School Program Coordinator, Youth Program Coordinator, 4th Grade Teacher, Content Lead and Grade Level Chair.

I grew up in College Station, Texas (Home of the AGGIES). I am the oldest of four. I attended McLennan Community College where I received my Associates Degree. I then transferred to Prairie View A&M University where I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Behavioral Sciences. I am currently a graduate student at Houston Baptist University; I plan to graduate August 2016 with a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. During my free time I love to travel, spend time with my family and volunteer my time with multiple organizations. I am a member of the Houston Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE) and I belong to Grace Church of Humble.

This year my classroom theme is to “Grow Brains and Build Leaders.” I want my classroom to be a place where students want to come to everyday. I want my students to have the opportunity to absorb all of the knowledge they can this year while serving as leaders of the school and representing KIPP Legacy in everything that they do. I live by the motto that “I will do my best to educate my students by any means necessary” and I expect my students to use that for themselves, “I will learn by any means necessary”.