Seeing your words come alive is magical, or it could be if my creative students had a camera to see their words make a visual impact. We want to utilize technology in the classroom, but we are missing a vital source-a video camera. With a camera, my students' world of learning could expand.
Second chances, that's what my school is all about.
My students are making an attempt to be successful, whereas perhaps they have failed in the past because of dysfunctional home lives, learning disabilities, frequent moves, families who needed them to earn a paycheck rather than attend school, substance problems that hindered learning, or teen pregnancy. Many have been falling through the cracks at traditional schools or maybe made poor life choices. But they're here now to forge a new path, apply themselves to credit recovery and achieve the life goal of graduating. Our school is an alternative, accredited public school with curriculum focusing on at-risk teens. Our small student-teacher ratio ensures that all students get the individual support they need, but we are sorely lacking in some basic technology. That technology would enhance my students' learning by channeling their creativity through project based learning. My students may have had great challenges in their lives, but they are expressive and great.
My Project
Enthusiasm is evident in my classroom, but as a teacher, it is my job to channel this into learning. I may have a student who is a great skater, poet, painter, but has no creative or legal outlet for this expression. That's where my need for a camera is great. A camera, a small tripod and a case to keep it safe, would be put to great use in a variety of ways. We read a class book, and I would love to have a camera to film the students giving their points of view as characters or to extend the thoughts and experiences of a particular character. I have a group of students who are very skilled in riding their skateboards. How can I engage them in learning? I have them film skate techniques, create a story, add statistics, skater bios, safety information and use descriptive writing in expressing what it feels like to skate. Ta-da! My students have used many different strategies to create, process, write, and present academic work, but it must be work that excites them while applying and learning new skills.
A camera will make it possible to utilize more technology in the classroom, to give my students a voice in creating and expressing what they read, feel, and experience.
When I can take a reluctant learner, engage that student in an academic process, all while learning according to educational standards, then I have had a good day. My students come from a background of disappointment and failure. How wonderful to make them feel expert and successful throughout the educational journey. Come along.
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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