Oh Say Can You See When I Write On The Board? (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

Oh Say Can You See When I Write On The Board?

Classroom project requested by Mr. G. on Feb 7, 2008

Mr. G.'s Classroom

High Poverty

Missouri

Where is the classroom located?

"Sometimes technology enables. Sometimes technology inhibits... if you don't have everything you need.

I teach 8th grade science at an inner-city middle school. My students are very diverse, including many who are English language learners. They and I both benefit from having an LCD projector in my room each day to use for PowerPoint. The reason I permanently borrowed the projector from my principal is that my lone white board in the room is installed where only about 25% of my students can see it. I never have to worry about crooked writing on the board or the writing too small to see. I project everything on the far (blue) wall of my room which is approximately 15 feet high.

These are the big positives to having a projector. The big drawback is that the slide show for the day is set before class even begins. I have to try to anticipate all possible student misunderstandings before presenting the material, a task that is nearly impossible. And in a group where many /still/ have not visited the eye doctor this year, I'm constantly hearing "I can't see that" if I need to run to the board and write something out for further explanation.

By having a document camera in my room, I would be able to write notes "on the board" but have my board be my giant projector wall. Not only would this aid me in some of those "let me show you real quick" situations, but I can model good note-taking style for my students -- a skill we are constantly working to build but I have no way to actually show.

In addition to notes, the document camera can be used to demonstrate proper use of lab equipment and other critical science skills that must be learned before reaching high school. Even something as simple as using a ruler, something some of my students still can not do, can be shown in larger-than-life live video.

I'm relentlessly focused on making sure my students are ready to succeed in high school, not just that they know a few random science facts. I honestly believe that having a document camera will better allow me to deliver the highest quality instruction and information in a way that helps my students better understand the world on their terms and do so visually. hide»

My students need a document/specimen camera to attach to the laptop and LCD projector in my room because we don't have an accessible white board. details»

Oct 21, 2008 Hadiatou J a staff member at donorschoose.org

Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mr. G.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Aug 21, 2008 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the technology for Mr. G.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Jun 26, 2008 Mr. G. the Teacher

Dear michael, Patsy, Sonja and John,

As all of you have donated in the past day, you know how much your support means to me right now. Your donation is not only going to be making an impact on my classroom and my students, but your generosity is making an impact on me. I really appreciate that you have reached out to help see this proposal through which my aunt had so graciously supported without my knowledge. As you might imagine, I'm having a hard time finding the best words to describe everything that's swirling around in my head right now.

All of you found out about this either because of my blog (http://inthelou.teachfor.us) or because I read your blog. Today, blogging has crossed a new threshold of significance for me because of you.

With my sincerest thanks,

Adam

Reply to the classroom

On Oct 20, 2008, Mr. G. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.

Jun 24, 2008 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Jun 24, 2008 michael gave from atherton, CA

Jun 24, 2008 John from Frisco, TX

"Any project Adam is involved in is brilliant and worthwhile. Keep it up!"

Jun 24, 2008 Sonja from Durham, NC

"I gave to this project because your blog on your aunt's generosity touched me. Thanks for doing all you do, Adam. Teachers are such a gift! (My sister was an inner city elementary school teacher and is now an inner city elementary school media specialist.) My prayers are with you and your family."

Feb 29, 2008 Patsy gave from Midland, TX

Feb 15, 2008 Winmar W a staff member at donorschoose.org

Verified the cost of the requested technology and posted this project.

Feb 11, 2008 Winifred J a staff member at donorschoose.org

Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.

Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.

Feb 7, 2008Mr. G. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
Vision Viewer Document Presentation Camera	Highsmith Inc.	$249.04	1	$249.04

Vendor Shipping Charges				$24.90
State Sales Tax				$10.53
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$6.23
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$17.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$308.00
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$67.61
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$375.61
4 Donors				-$375.61
To Go				$0.00