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Completed: Flip Out Over Flip Cams -- Give Creativity a Chance

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"Hi! I have been teaching for four years at an inner-city high school that serves a large population of Asian-American, Latino, and African-American students. In the fall of 2009, I will be launching a brand new course called "Media Communication & Production," which will challenge students to util... " MORE
"Hi! I have been teaching for four years at an inner-city high school that serves a large population of Asian-American, Latino, and African-American students. In the fall of 2009, I will be launching a brand new course called "Media Communication & Production," which will challenge students to utilize their creativity in telling stories through digital technology.

My students are extremely creative and inquisitive, yet our school often lacks the funding and resources that allow them to use technology in creative ways. We study, work, and play in a 100-year-old building that is in desperate need of renovation, which makes easy access to state-of-the-art technology a rarity.

For example, the yearbook staff has used the same digital camera for the last three years and the case is falling apart. While a digital camera is useful for taking pictures, it is not optimal for taking videos.

I am excited about opening the Media Communication & Production class because I want my students to understand how media technology affects their daily lives and also to create digital stories and documentaries using the flip cam. We hope to showcase their digital stories to our school community and document them in our digital yearbook, which is also a new endeavor for this year.

In order to make this new class successful, we will need your help! By providing flip cams for my students, you will contribute to fostering creative talents and preparing young people to be smart and savvy about how to utilize digital technology. Lastly, just because our school building is 100-years- old, doesn't mean that our learning has to be. We would greatly appreciate your help!

My students need 4 Flip Video Camcorders to produce digital stories and documentaries for their digital yearbook production. The cost of this proposal is $892, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

HIDE
Nov 19, 2009
Dear Carol, Michael, Judith Thoyer, Sergio, Carla, Mollie, Juliet, robbie, James in KG, Sheila, Ethan, Allison, Xiao Wen, Nancy, SJG, My beautiful wife, Tanya, Jill, Martin, Carin and Francis, Jey, Ada, HP and Anonymous Donors, 
I have great news to report! Not only has "Flip Out Over Flip Cams" been funded through the generous support of friends like you, I was able to receive the materials in two weeks, just in time for the start of my video production unit. I couldn't believe how fortuitous it was when the packaged arrived yesterday; now I can proceed with full steam ahead without worrying about resource shortages.

I'm writing to give you an update on how your donated materials will be used in my classroom. During Term 2, my students will be learning the basics of video production, beginning with creating Public Service Announcements. We've examined a wide range of negative effects that media has on society, ranging from women's body image to children's health; now, however, it is time for students to explore how media can in turn be used for positive outcomes. They have brainstormed a list of issues they care about, such as global warming/recycling, the "crappiness" of the American public school system, teen pregnancy, teen voice and advocacy, to name a few. The next step is for them to pick up a flip cam and create a PSA that promotes awareness on these topics.

In the following weeks, students will also be able to create short documentary stories using these flip cams, in addition to some other mini-projects. Without your help, this would not have been possible. We thank you very much!

With gratitude,
Ms. L.

Ms. L. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Dear Carol, Michael, Judith Thoyer, Sergio, Carla, Mollie, Juliet, robbie, James in KG, Sheila, Ethan, Allison, Xiao Wen, Nancy, SJG, My beautiful wife, Tanya, Jill, Martin, Carin and Francis, Jey, Ada, HP and Anonymous Donors, 
I am ecstatic to see that my flip cam project is now fully funded! I am
writing to let you know the great news, but also to thank you sincerely for your love and generosity. My students will also be glad to know that their ability to explore creativity has been directly influenced by your contributions. I will make sure that they also learn the value of giving, just as you have done.

We are working on producing video projects for the second term and this
comes at just the right time. Once again, thank you for your generosity and continue to spread the love!

With gratitude,
Ms. L.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Carol V. (volunteer) on Aug 11, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested technology and posted this project.
Shira N. (associate) on Aug 12, 2009
"I gave to this project because I hope it will encourage more creativity!"
Jill from Massachusetts gave on Aug 17, 2009
Carin and Francis from Massachusetts gave on Aug 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because your class is going to tell some creative and amazing stories using this technology. Plus, those Flip cams look pretty awesome! :-)"
Tanya from Connecticut gave on Aug 19, 2009
Ada from Massachusetts gave in support of Massachusetts on Sep 4, 2009
"Mrs. Lu and her students deserve the best! Work hard this year! :)"
Juliet from Illinois gave in support of Massachusetts on Sep 14, 2009
Judith Thoyer from NY, NY gave in support of Idone's Give-Back Birthday on Sep 16, 2009
"Thank you, Judith, for your generosity! Of course, to all my friends who have donated so far... I really appreciate you all too!"
The teacher Ms. L. on Sep 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe every kid deserves the chance to succeed that we were so freely given. I hope you use the Flips to produce awesome work, and don't forget to have fun too! Itamar & Becky K"
Itamar & Becky from New Jersey gave in honor of My beautiful wife in support of Mashable on Oct 1, 2009
"Thank you, Itamar & Becky! I really appreciate your support."
The teacher Ms. L. on Oct 1, 2009
SJG from New York, NY gave in support of Mashable on Oct 1, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Massachusetts."
A donor gave in support of Idone's Give-Back Birthday on Oct 7, 2009
"HP is pleased to contribute to the Social Media Challenge and support teachers and students."
HP from Palo Alto, CA gave in support of Mashable on Oct 8, 2009
"I gave to this project because through social media, I believe your students will learn in a new way AND be able to share the end product with others!"
Carla from California gave in support of Socialbrite's Giving Page on Oct 19, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Massachusetts."
Mollie from Massachusetts gave in support of Idone's Give-Back Birthday on Oct 20, 2009
"The class looks awesome! Hope your class has a great experience and lots of fun with the project!"
Nancy from Massachusetts gave on Oct 20, 2009
"Thank you, Nancy, Mollie, Carla, SJG, HP, Idone, and friend of Idone! We are getting closer!! I'm looking forward to giving you an official "THANK YOU" letter soon. Thanks again for your contribution. :)"
The teacher Ms. L. on Oct 28, 2009
"Ms. Lu you are an awesome teacher. Me and my sister donated $25 for your project. Good luck with everything else! "
Xiao Wen from Massachusetts gave on Oct 29, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Other education."
Allison from New York gave on Oct 29, 2009
"My grandmother was a dedicated educator as you seem to be. In her memory I have become one and will continue to support a fellow educator who dedicates themselves to their students. "
Jey from San Bernardino, CA gave on Oct 31, 2009
"I gave to this project because I'm passionate about video production. The barrier to entry is so low now; everyone is a journalist!"
Ethan from Beaverton, OR gave on Oct 31, 2009
"I gave to this project because it empowers kids, encourages creative skills, and helps build self esteem, giving voice to individuals (both the video producers and their subjects) who might never have been heard."
Carol from Closter, NJ gave on Nov 1, 2009
"Carol, Ethan, Jey, Allison, Xiao, Helen, Thank you so much for your contributions! You are my heroes. :)"
The teacher Ms. L. on Nov 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I value Ms. Lu's effort to create this innovative approach to engage students actively in the learning process."
Martin from Massachusetts gave on Nov 2, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want to support a school in Massachusetts because I grew up in Massachusetts and I want to give back in some way."
Sheila from Illinois gave on Nov 2, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Other education."
Sergio from Illinois gave on Nov 3, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Massachusetts."
Michael from San Francisco, CA gave on Nov 3, 2009
"The world needs more creativity!"
James in KG from King George, VA gave on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because multimedia is a great way to engage young students. Its 21st century education"
robbie from California gave on Nov 4, 2009
A donor gave on Nov 4, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Nov 4, 2009
"When I opened my in-box today, I was ecstatic to see that my flip cam project is now fully funded! I am writing to let you know the great news, but also to thank you sincerely for your love and generosity. My students will also be glad to know that their ability to explore creativity has been directly influenced by your contributions. I will make sure that they also learn the value of giving, just as you have done."
The teacher Ms. L. on Nov 4, 2009
The teacher Ms. L. on Nov 12, 2009
The teacher Ms. L. on Nov 12, 2009
Purchased the technology for Ms. L.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Nov 13, 2009
Teacher MailImpact Letter posted!
The teacher Ms. L. 2 days ago
"Mrs. L, as an aged but struggling amateur writer, I know how important it is to be able to express one's thoughts and feelings. I hope the video cams become effective tools for your pupils to express themselves. --Carol W. from Closter, NJ"
Carol from Closter, NJ 2 days ago
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
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