My students need to be able to present their material to the class without the barrier of computer usage becoming an issue. By using a Document Camera they can present their hand written findings or articles they find in hard copy format.
Teaching in an urban school bring challenges. Although my kids are awesome, using technology in the classroom isn't easy. I teach mathematics -- Algebra 2, College Algebra, and Applied Math to students who would (more often than not) want to be anywhere but in class. These 11th and 12th graders struggle with mathematics. They survive the class because of the programs we offer them. There will never be enough resource provided by the district to meet their learning styles. I have the pleasure of working with these unique student: visual learner: artists, performing arts, and communication students; most who require a non-traditional learning environment--which I do my best to provide.
Sometimes the best solutions are discovered on the edges of a paper, in a paragraph of a writing, how to show the findings to the class quickly...with a document camera! I try to use technology as a tool to make the mathematics make sense. I have struggled to purchase and maintain a class set of graphing calculators. I have over 165 studnets in five classes. Most haven't had the opportunity to work with calculators--let alone graphing calculators. While I originally thought of requesting assistance getting the TI-Navigation system or the TI--Inspire for my class, I really think the addition of a document camera is paramount. There is no technolgy teaching required to use the document camera. They can write their answer in their notebook and have it projected for the class. They can find an ariticle or paragraph they want to share -- and there is no lagtime involved in getting the material copied or scanned--it is an immediate happening. The improvement in participation after I purchased the graphing calculators is amazing. We try to connect what we are doing to other subjects at school--or real-world situations. Instead of putting a discussion on hold to the next period so I can make c
Students shouldn't be penalized in their ability to share with the peers due to their lack of skill with computers. Losing the moment because we had to postpone a discussion to make copies or scan an article in the library just so everyone in class can "see" the document, the example, the solution worked out on a piece of paper--is learning lost. It is hard to bring that process back the next class period. The moment to learn--to make a connection--to understand what is being talked about is lost. You never get that specific moment back. With my laptop and projector students who know the technology can share. Those that aren't comfortable just sit in the background. A document camera would remove one of the barriers to their participation. They'd be able to submit the article from a magazine they are reading--or a comment in another textbook--or a sketch of a solution they want to share. The possibilities, like the moments, are endless and unique. Talk about making a difference...this is a medium to see what the differences are.
I try to make a difference. This time I need help. Please provide the means of allowing my kids to find out how terrific their ideas and solutions really are! Provide the means to make our classroom a bit more student friendly. Your donation will provide the means for my kids to share their work.
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