Digital Magic

Recently I worked with my students on a week long lesson about shadows. As part of the lesson, we went outside one day to take pictures of our own shadows. I used a Polaroid camera to take the pictures. I was amazed to see how excited the students were to see a picture of themselves. That got me to thinking. If I could get that much enthusiasm out of my students with tiny 3X5 photographs, what would they do if they could see themselves on a computer screen, or even on our television? I am sure they would be crazy to learn whatever topic I was teaching. A digital camera would be the perfect learning tool to fill out my classroom technology equipment. Recently I had funded a proposal for a computer program that allows my students to used Microsoft Office with a kid friendly interface. That means my kids can create and star in their own PowerPoint presentations among other activities. I also can access the technology to connect my computer to the television set in our room so that whatever is on the screen can be seen and heard by all the students in the room. Can't you imagine all the possibilities I could bring to the classroom with a digital camera? The camera I have chosen is also kid-friendly. The camera is very simple to use and is colorful and inviting. It includes software that makes it easy to transport images to the computer. Most of my students have never seen a digital camera. The majority do not have computers at home. I am sure some don't have cameras at all. These are mainly low income students in a Title One school, and I am trying to provide for them as many opportunities as I can. In a world filled with technology, don't they deserve as much exposure to technology tools as other students? Finally, just think of the smiles on the faces of children who have never seen their face on a computer screen before or held a camera in their hands. I cannot wait to hear the excited chatter and see the looks of enthusiasm when I show my students what a digital camera can do. All of my students will use this tool in one way or another. I hope you will help me obtain this wonderful tool for my classroom.