Giving Students A Voice

School:: Calusa Park Elementary
Subject:: Technology
Teacher:: Holly Auckerman
Students Impacted:: 40
Grade:: 5
Date:: August 21, 2021

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Michael J. Searcy Family - $292.99

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 47

There has been a phenomenal increase in student participate across both 5^th grade classrooms due to the interactive microphone. Participation went from a steady 65% to having 90% of the class willing to participate due to the engaging and fun games played. As well it has helped reduce the number of times something needs to be repeated because students can now hear each other clearly. It's a perfect way to highlight an individual speaker especially for those that might have a hard time speaking up. Students who were once quiet and afraid to speak up now are willing to interact in class discussions. Everyone can’t wait to get their hands on the ball and have their voice be heard. Answers are amplified throughout the room to ensure each person can hear the speaker. Having this tool in the classroom as been a wonderful way to incorporate both technology and movement in the classroom to foster a learning environment.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

My goal is to give my students a voice and the ability to hear clearly in class with a amplified speaking device. Every voice matters!

What will be done with my students

One of the most important challenges we try to overcome each day is keeping students motivated and entertained in every lesson. What happens when our voices come to life and become amplified for all to hear? Learning, engagement, motivation to share ideas, and empowerment. The Qball allows teachers to create a creative way to share their ideas as well as student’s ideas by putting a mic in their hands and the power to be heard. With the use of the speaking ball even the quietest students can be heard and share their ideas with the class. This device will help capture students’ attention in the classroom, inspire them to participate in meaningful discussions, and motivate them to share their ideas. Having Qball in the classroom will aid in improving students learning with the ability to hear every student’s idea shared with the Qball and increase awareness as well as respect for the speaker. This device will be used during whole group instruction when the teacher wants to amplify key concepts when presenting as well as giving the students the mic to guide and direct meaningful conversations. Most importantly it will be used by students to respond to questions as well as respectfully debating with their peers on current topics.

Benefits to my students

One of the advantages of having a Qball is that it can be used in any location! We don't have to seat in the classroom to use it. We can take the fun of answering questions and having meaningful conversations outside! Qball is designed to work seamlessly with most speakers, including existing classroom audio systems, Bluetooth, and desktop computer speakers. It is a great interactive technology that will allow students to be the center of their learning and not have the teacher leading the discussion or having to continue to repeat what each student said because their peers couldn’t hear them. Pass me the ball!

Budget Narrative

All materials will be bought through the following website: https://www.buyqball.com/

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Qball +	$179.00
2	Qball Cover	$24.99
3	UVC Sterilizer	$89.00
	Total:	$292.99

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