Tammy Dunbar’s Lincoln fifth-grade class from Lincoln Elementary is going to be the most technology-advanced in all of the Manteca Unified School District.
On Thursday morning, Dunbar’s students erupted when they learned that their classroom had been selected as one of three grand prize winners in the eInstruction Classroom Video Makeover Contest – entitling them to more than $78,000 worth of technology that will be installed in the classroom to promote high-tech learning.
It was the fourth year that Dunbar had sent in a video submission of her class – which already utilizes technology in their daily lessons. She said she could barely contain herself when she learned that her classroom was in fact receiving the grand prize award on Tuesday.
“When the lady told me that we were a grand prize winner, I just sat there very calm but hyperventilating at the same time,” Dunbar said. “I had to keep it together because I couldn’t let the kids know, but I had to call the principal right away to let her know.
“It was one of the best phone calls I’ve received in a long time.”
Once the materials are delivered and prepared for in-class use, Dunbar and her students will have access to an interactive whiteboard system, a Calypso in-class sound system, a Panasonic laptop with web camera, and a plethora of interactive programs that will allow students to have fun while learning at the same time.
“With hands-on programs like this kids will learn to love to learn, and that’s an important thing,” Dunbar said. “With programs like these they’ll be having fun, but learning at the same time, and that’s a phenomenon that pays huge dividends because the students retain that knowledge.”
Dunbar’s class beat out four other finalists from elementary schools around the country, and was one of 15 finalists selected worldwide.
Daisy Hernandez said she was shocked and surprised when learning that her class was going to receive the massive technology package, and could barely wait to see how it was incorporated into their daily lesson plan.
“This has to be the part of the century right now,” said Hernandez who chatted at her desk with friends about what they were going to like the most. “Being in this class is a lot of fun, but this is going to make it that much more fun, and that’s what I’m really excited about.”
According to Manteca Unified’s Senior Director of Curriculum Cheryl Meeker, the ability to add additional technology into classrooms where students grew up with computers and video games not only generates interest among the students, but also helps them get excited about learning.
And motivating students, Meeker said, is never a bad thing.
“Today’s kids have grown up with technology, and something like this will give them excitement and motivation when it comes to the classroom,” said Meeker. “Learning with sights and sounds is such a big part of education today, and Tammy has always been at the forefront of instating technology in the classroom for our district.
“I’m so excited for her, and for the students that will be able to utilize this for years to come.”
On Thursday morning, Dunbar’s students erupted when they learned that their classroom had been selected as one of three grand prize winners in the eInstruction Classroom Video Makeover Contest – entitling them to more than $78,000 worth of technology that will be installed in the classroom to promote high-tech learning.
It was the fourth year that Dunbar had sent in a video submission of her class – which already utilizes technology in their daily lessons. She said she could barely contain herself when she learned that her classroom was in fact receiving the grand prize award on Tuesday.
“When the lady told me that we were a grand prize winner, I just sat there very calm but hyperventilating at the same time,” Dunbar said. “I had to keep it together because I couldn’t let the kids know, but I had to call the principal right away to let her know.
“It was one of the best phone calls I’ve received in a long time.”
Once the materials are delivered and prepared for in-class use, Dunbar and her students will have access to an interactive whiteboard system, a Calypso in-class sound system, a Panasonic laptop with web camera, and a plethora of interactive programs that will allow students to have fun while learning at the same time.
“With hands-on programs like this kids will learn to love to learn, and that’s an important thing,” Dunbar said. “With programs like these they’ll be having fun, but learning at the same time, and that’s a phenomenon that pays huge dividends because the students retain that knowledge.”
Dunbar’s class beat out four other finalists from elementary schools around the country, and was one of 15 finalists selected worldwide.
Daisy Hernandez said she was shocked and surprised when learning that her class was going to receive the massive technology package, and could barely wait to see how it was incorporated into their daily lesson plan.
“This has to be the part of the century right now,” said Hernandez who chatted at her desk with friends about what they were going to like the most. “Being in this class is a lot of fun, but this is going to make it that much more fun, and that’s what I’m really excited about.”
According to Manteca Unified’s Senior Director of Curriculum Cheryl Meeker, the ability to add additional technology into classrooms where students grew up with computers and video games not only generates interest among the students, but also helps them get excited about learning.
And motivating students, Meeker said, is never a bad thing.
“Today’s kids have grown up with technology, and something like this will give them excitement and motivation when it comes to the classroom,” said Meeker. “Learning with sights and sounds is such a big part of education today, and Tammy has always been at the forefront of instating technology in the classroom for our district.
“I’m so excited for her, and for the students that will be able to utilize this for years to come.”
