Do you remember the first time you typed on a computer or the first search you made on a search engine? Chances are, you had a teacher that was fluent in technology to guide you on your way. My students are a hard-working group of third graders from a rural town in Pennsylvania. Technology is now a part of their everyday lives, both in and out of school. Unfortunately, within the school setting, resources are limited. Our school district has been very proactive about exposing our students to new technology; however, exposure is where their technology education ends. To meet our new national Common Core goals, students not only need to be exposed to new technology, but they also need to be fluent in it. With the resources that we have available, my students are lacking significantly in their technology education. In order to create successful, twenty-first century learners, it is essential for more permanent classroom tools to be at their disposal.
My Project
Years ago, our district purchased document cameras for teachers to utilize in their classroom. They totally flipped our learning environments! Teachers were now able to model and direct the learning of their students in a large-scale setting like never before! However, as educational technology advanced, these cameras were never replaced, and now I am forced to work with an outdated tool that I have become reliant on. As I am teaching, the screen lags and the instruction I am giving doesn't match my modeling techniques.
What I need is a tool that meets me where I am and is compatible with my current classroom environment.
I recently attended the ISTE Conference in Philadelphia, PA and was introduced to the HUE HD document camera as I was receiving professional development on my Promethean ActivPanel. Their partnership has led to seamless compatibility between the board tools and camera. The HUE HD Pro plugs directly into the ActivPanel, eliminating the use of a third-party computer for connectivity. With this camera, I can be at the front of the room and visible to my students, rather than instructing from the back. This is perfect for use in my math classroom with manipulatives or during guided reading to identify evidence-based responses. The HUE can also be utilized to record students in a presentation environment. With the accompanying tables, the students will have a handy stand to work from during their lessons, and I'll be able to store all of my tech tools neatly and conveniently away where they are easily accessible.
Technology can be very influential for ensuring success in the modern-day classroom because it is what students are most comfortable relating to. Please consider donating to my classroom and give my students the upgrade that they so desperately need!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Ingram and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
