My students need a document camera in the class so that they will be able to easily see the teacher' s modeling, especially in reading, writing, and math.
"We have a lot to learn and a lot to do!" Often times these are my first words to my students. As educators we often hear how important meeting emotional needs of students are, but it is often forgotten that these same students require the proper materials to conveniently access lessons.
I actually have the privilege of teaching the best group of 4th graders out there.
They are extra special to me because I have had the majority of the group since 1st grade. They are eager to learn, respectful, very very talkative, humorous, and at times have a little more energy than I would like, but all in all I wouldn't trade them for any other group. They have involved and loving families. At the end of the day all the families want is success for their children and to know that whatever decision we make is centered around what's best for their children. We belong to a school in Brownsville, Brooklyn. This neighborhood has been deemed one of the worst areas in Brooklyn. It possesses all of the qualities that come with poverty: high crime rate, gang violence, failing schools, limited services, etc. My school is specifically looking at each individual child and trying to find an approach that works best for them. It's not an easy task, but we are committed.
My Project
In the past I had heard many teachers talk about document cameras, but it wasn't until I saw one in action that I realized how useful and powerful it could be in the teaching of children. My first encounter with it happened about a month ago when I used it to show my students how to correctly summarize a nonfiction text using the main idea and supporting details. All the students were able to see my modeling in clear view without any interruptions. The fact that I was using some sort of technology fascinated them as well, which allowed me to capture their attention for a longer period of time. In addition, this technological tool can extremely be useful for my many visual learners. Students can also show math problems by modeling with manipulatives. They can display their writing pieces to highlight an area of expertise, but most importantly, it's a great way for students to show what they are thinking, especially those students that are better at showing rather than telling.
The document camera is a great way for teachers to model and also a great way for students to share their work.
Students are more engaged when they see their own or other student work on the document camera. It's also a great way to visually represent all that is said. I'm a fan of the document camera because I have seen it in action and a I am pleased at the reaction of my students. I am a believer that education is key in breaking the vicious cycle which could become part of their reality.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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