My students need a variable direction mic for our classroom computer to set up a podcasting station as a way to broadcast and share student work to a wider audience.
My students need a way to share their learning with the world by creating their own podcasts, screencasts, and videos. To do this we need the right equipment. We need a microphone that is equipped to handle my classroom and students.
My students live in a highly impoverished and rural area on a reservation in Washington State.
Over 90% of them live well below the poverty line and struggle to own proper clothes, food, and school materials; owning books, technology, or venturing outside our rural valley is something many of them are never fortunate enough to do. Funding for our school is minimal, and every year we are asked to do more with less. Thanks to micro-grants provided by DonorsChoose and other organizations, I have been able to supply my classroom with supplemental reading materials and small technology, but the need is greater than I have been able to provide. My students need additional assistance from donors who are looking to help some deserving kids.
My Project
To facilitate my students making their own podcasts, screencasts, and videos I need a microphone that can stand up to constant use by a large group of students in a crowded classroom. We do not have room available for quiet recording space. The mic in my cart is highly recommended for students and should be able to handle my classroom setup and computer. I want my students podcasting, screencasting, and making videos for two reasons: (1) so they can share their work with the community and the outside world, and (2) so I can record lectures, presentations, and assignment feedback for students to access outside of school. Many of my students rarely travel outside our area, so podcasting can be a way to share their learning with a wider audience. With many students owning smartphones, I can record podcast lectures or screencasts for them to view at home as follow-ups to class assignments and lectures.
Sharing student work is a great way to get them motivated to do their best.
By sharing their work, I am giving them a wide audience to speak with to help broaden their horizons. I believe my students deserve a chance to share their learning with the outside world and that this project should help achieve that goal. I also want to help those students who can't always get to school stay up to date on their learning. I believe this project will help me achieve both goals.
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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 Mr. Olden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.