Application for Clint S. Malone Memorial STEM Innovation Grant

Transcription

1 Application for Clint S. Malone Memorial STEM Innovation Grant Project Title: Integrated ipad STEM Project Amount Requested: $ 2, (per attached itemized budget) School Name: Vero Beach Elementary (VBE) Subjects: First Grade Math and Science Principal: Bonnie Swanson Signature: Date: _July 9, 2012 Proposal Submitted by: Mary Anne Sitkowski, First Grade Teacher Address: Maryanne.Sitkowski@indianriverschools.org Phone: (School) (Home)

2 Project Narrative I. Problem and Need Apple IPads were introduced to my students in September 2011 as part of a Pilot program designed to assess the viability of using mobile computer devices in a first grade classroom at VBE. A total of three (3) ipads equipped with a variety of educational apps were shared by the students and used to supplement basic learning throughout the school year. Students had an opportunity to use the devices in group settings, one-on-one tutoring, and individually with headsets. The ipads enabled students to work in tactile, visual, and auditory modalities. Funding for the Pilot was obtained from a third-party Foundation. First Grade VBE students compete in Mrs. Sitkowski s ipad Challenge contest in May The findings and observations of the Pilot include: ipads are effective technology tools for first graders Student reactions are resoundingly positive Touching the screen directly with a finger is suitable for young students and a much easier method than using a mouse or keyboard ipads can be used to support rather than reestablish educational goals in the classroom Students are highly engaged and motivated by user-friendly educational apps 1

3 Most students learn how to use apps quickly and easily Interactive apps, particularly math games, provide immediate feedback that can be used to identify soft spots in understanding Students become self-confident as they progress upward through each app level The limitations of the Pilot included (i) minimal collaboration among students, due in part to the low ratio of devices per student (1:6), (ii) the teacher not having an ipad for instructional use and (iii) the absence of a common focal point such as large visual display for learning purposes. The proposed project ( Project ) would satisfy these needs and provide an innovative approach to individual and group learning of STEM subjects. We are requesting funding for four additional ipads that would increase the device per student ratio to 1:3 and provide one device for the teacher to use with the classroom s brand new interactive whiteboard. Also, we plan to install Apple TV functionality that would interface with the whiteboard and the School s WI-Fi network. This integrated network approach would address the limitations of the Pilot and enable the teacher to use the ipad as an effective group instructional tool. II. Project Goals The Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has recommended that teachers incorporate handson, multimedia technology in the classroom to promote deeper learning: 2

4 Use instructional activities that arouse greater student interest in STEM. Causal research indicates that students have greater interest and achievement in STEM when teachers contextualize, personalize, and diversify instruction with multimedia, technology assisted instruction, hands on inquiry, project based learning, and small within classroom student groupings that facilitate learning Florida STEM Strategic Plan: An Action Plan for Systemic Reform of STEM Education and Workforce Readiness, (2011), p. 43, citing Female-Minority Initiative Final Report The goals of the Project are consistent with this recommendation and are designed to arouse interest in STEM subjects: Provide first grade students the opportunity to utilize a highly interactive technology tool that will be fun to use and will generate greater interest in STEM subjects Improve STEM understanding and differentiation through multimedia content Use the ipad as an instructional tool with the entire class (as opposed to a strictly personal device) and maximize the potential of the interactive whiteboard Encourage active participation in STEM learning via selfexploration and small group learning Expand students knowledge about the role of technology in learning and improve their tech literacy Leverage new technology, e.g., Wi-Fi network, ipad digital camera, and Apple TV to discover innovative ways to engage students in project-based activities The Project would change the dynamics of the classroom. Using stateof-the art technology, the teacher would be able to mirror ipad content on the screen at the front of the classroom. Because all connections are wireless, the teacher could circulate among the students and still conduct the lesson from anywhere in the classroom. This unteathrered experience would allow the main lesson to be broken down into small groups of three using individual ipads. To facilitate this integrated approach, the Apple TV unit would be connected to the interactive whiteboard via an HDMI cable and interact wirelessly with the ipads. Information could be transmitted to student devices and students would have capability to contribute while seated at their desks.the basic network connections required by the Project, 3

5 including the related technical aspects, have been reviewed and approved by Tiffany McKenzie, Instructional Technology and Data Analyst, School District of Indian River County. There are additional ways that the Project could be integrated into the curriculum. For example, the teacher could perform a quick Web search and in a few seconds pull up a video clip of a rupturing volcano in response to a student s question about lava flow. To measure goals and outcomes, the following four steps would be undertaken for analysis and follow up: 1. Collect and analyze student performance data captured by educational apps 2. Use existing assessments to measure student understanding of content 3. Record observations, measurements and data as part of the class science project 4. Conduct pre and post survey and student interviews to gather data about how students use technology in their learning III. Project Design One of the most significant benefits of ipad technology is the amount of low cost educational apps that have been developed for these devices. By way of example, below are three STEM-related apps that are appropriate for first graders and would be used to support VBE s prescribed math and science curriculum: Math Magic covers basic arithmetic using a combination of vibrant colors, a simple interface and a reward system of stars. The student simply taps on an answer to solve the problem. Math Magic provides enough positive reinforcement to engage even math-averse students. Learners are kept engaged as they increase levels of difficulty. Murky Reef: 1st - 2nd Grade Reading, Science & Math consists of quiz games with informational text that describes coral reefs, the ecosystem, predator-prey concepts, sea creatures in a reef and a detailed account of sharks. Students can read and/or listen to the informational text and interact with illustrations such as touching a shark to learn more about different parts of the shark s body. The quiz tests comprehension as well as application of the knowledge gleaned from text to concepts around it. For example, a predator eats other animals for food. Is a tiger a predator or prey? 4

6 Smart Kids: First Grade is a one-stop app for first graders to learn Math, English, Science and Social Studies. The content is kept interesting by the use of colorful screens and engaging questions. The science topics covered in the quizzes include Life Sciences (Basic understanding of plants and animals); Earth Science (Measuring concepts like pounds, Fahrenheit, miles and gallons); and Physical Science (Concepts for material states like solids, liquids and gases). These, and other relevant apps, would be used as described in Section II. With the thousands of educational apps available today, and more being developed almost everyday, students will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of these applications. The Project would continue beyond the upcoming school year as technology evolves and new ways are designed to take advantage of mobile computer devices and wireless networks. In sum, I believe that students who are engaged in instruction at an early age not only learn and retain more knowledge, but also increase their interest level in the subject matter. The Project would help students and teachers work more collaboratively on STEM subjects. While first graders are certainly a long way from college and beginning their careers, the project has the potential to stimulate their interest in STEM subjects and better motivate them to take on the challenges of STEM subjects in later grades, particularly math and science, and will eventually prepare them for hi-tech positions in society. IV. Sustainability The funds requested in Appendix A would cover all of the necessary hardware, application software, storage capacity and accessories needed to implement the Project. 5

7 APPENDIX A Item Description Unit Price Quantity Total Price ipad 2 with Wi-Fi 16GB Black $ $1, Lock-up ipad Storage Center $400.00* 1 $ AppleCare for ipad (Warranty Extension) $ $ Big Grip ipad Case and Stand $ $ Kidz Gear Volume Limit Headphones $ $ App Licenses $ $ Apple TV $ $ Apple HDMI to HDMI Cable (1.8m) $ $ Total Amount: $2, *Estimated cost if suitable locked storage is not available in the classroom. 6