“Thanks to the types of tools Apple makes, our students are really motivated to learn.”
— Margaret Munoz
Corvallis Middle School: Apple Tools Create Eager Learners
Students Acquiring 21st-Century Skills
Munoz has devised many creative ways to encourage her students to develop their digital literacy skills. From iMovie autobiographies that incorporate written stories, pictures, and music, to the production of full business systems (including brochures, business cards, letterhead, and envelopes) created with AppleWorks, Munoz’s students are becoming prepared for life in the 21st century.
Says Munoz, “I think we’d really be doing a disservice to our students if we didn’t provide them with these skills. These are the things they will need to know if they are to compete successfully in high school, college, and beyond. Fortunately, when students are making movies and presentations, they get ‘fooled’ into learning! And, the use of technology provides a means for every child to achieve academically in ways they never have before.”
Motivating Students to Learn
With the help of Corvallis Middle School’s Apple tools, parents are beginning to become more engaged in their children’s learning as well. Munoz’s students and their families regularly participate in student-led meetings with teachers, in which the students demonstrate how they have earned their grade. Using digital portfolios created with iLife, AppleWorks, QuickTime, and other technologies, students can share their successes with their proud parents.
“When the parents hear their children reading their autobiographies, and see how the images and music complement the projects, we have tears all over the place,” laughs Munoz. “It’s really touching. And, it makes me feel lucky to have this position. If kids everywhere were doing these types of projects, we’d never have to worry about behavior problems again.
“I’m a true believer in technology,” Munoz asserts. “We now have kids who actually ask to do digital projects in their other classes, where before they wouldn’t have completed an assignment. Thanks to the types of tools Apple makes, our students are really motivated to learn.”
