Published on February 27th, 2016

Albert Einstein once said, “I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” I feel this quote embodies exactly the environment that I attempt to create in my classroom. While trying to prepare my students with the essential skills necessary to be able to compete in an ever-changing world, I sometimes lose in the ability to provide them with the necessary technological skills that this 21st century world demands from them. Unfortunately, our school lacks the resources to provide my students with the necessary technological devices they so desperately need. On many occasions, I have used my personal devices, so my students are able to complete their assignments. With today’s ever improving technology, learning has become more accessible and engaging than ever before, and I feel that I must continue to bring in these experiences for my students. I found that technology not only helps engage students, but also promotes a self-directed learner.

This year I attempted to create a blog to engage my students on different topics. My idea was that instead of using the traditional pencil and paper to assess students’ writing skills, I could create a blog to engage and assess students’ effectiveness in writing. My students were thrilled about my idea, however they confessed they too lacked technology at home. This lack of technology has made it difficult to launch my blog.
Please support my proposal, so I will be able to integrate essential 21st century computer skills like creating PowerPoint, videos, or Internet web presentations. These projects not only add variety to the classroom, but also help engage students that seemed to be put off by the more traditional didactic instruction. Help me create a 21st century classroom to help student get ready for college and/or career.