End of Year Survey

Number of students served by this grant:
Approximately 180 in my classes alone.


Summarize how the grant impacted the students it served:
The Power to Learn grant impacted a number of students by providing a different form of media that is not always easily accessible in every classroom. By receiving the grant, our team was able to purchase 42 laptops that have been used daily since their arrival. Also, we received 2 Nintendo Wii systems that have been used to supplement different learning stations throughout the year. Students have responded positively after using both of these tools.


Briefly share a couple of specific experiences that went well:
In general, every lesson that we used the technology on went well.
Jazz Age:
My first true experience with the netbooks, we were working on the Jazz Age. I was a little nervous about using the netbooks but decided there was no time like the present. The students were able to log onto Ning to:
1. take their notes on the Jazz Age (no lecturing, students could work at their own pace)
2. watch a video clip about the Jazz Age, then respond to the blog regarding the Jazz Age.
3. create a Jazz Age character based on their research.

World War II:
Students were given numerous options in a menu format to study World War II. The first part of the lesson consisted of centers, that used the netbooks for the simple process of watching a video and answering questions. The next part, which were the menus, consisted of students doing several things. Some students read Night by Elie Wiesel and then participated in a book study online. Others played 2 games on the Wii, Battles of the Pacific and Medal of Honor, then had to create journal entries about their experiences online. Lastly, one of the "easier" choices were BrainPop videos and online quizzes that were sent to me via email. Students had to do at least 3 of the choices. Students seemed to enjoy the experience and test scores were improved.

Movie Guides:
This one was relatively easy. I got tired of doing the same old movie guides that did not give me any real time information. Now, while a movie or clip is on, the students are logged onto Ning and have to answer questions while the clip is on. I choose when to post a question and the students have to answer before the next question is posted. The immediate feedback has been amazing.

Your plan for next year- how you plan to take the project forward next year:

My goal for next year is to implement this program much more from the beginning. The students have developed a higher motivation for learning and are learning more 21st century skills. Now, my goal is to create more effective lessons that use the technology fully.