Flip v. iPhone 4

Janko Roettgers at New TeeVee is predicting that the iPhone 4 will kill off the Flip Video camera. The new iPhone has HD video capability, so, as the thinking goes, we will all ditch our Flips. That might happen for the regular smartphone user, but not in education.

Let's look at this practically speaking. First off, I like the iPhone as much as the next person. I have one. Sort of. Long story, but let's just say I have one that more or less works. If we look at the iPhone 4 with an starting price of $199, similar to a Flip Ultra HD, it seems to be a no-brainer. Go for the iPhone! But wait, there's more. Don't forget you have to have a data plan with your shiny new iPhone. Add on a minimum of $15/month to your video camera cost.

I have five Flip cameras in my classroom. I bought two of the original versions when they were on close-out, one was given to me as part of a project that I work with and the other two I got through a grant with DonorsChoose. My students and I use the cameras frequently. We have no monthly fee for operating our cameras. All I have to do is replace the batteries on some models.

Are there some things I would change about the Flip? Sure. An audio input jack would be first on my list. Second would be WiFi capability so students could upload directly from the camera to SchoolTube. However, for overall ease of use and affordability, Flip Videos are the way to go.

Ask and ye shall receive...

Just about two weeks ago I wrote two proposals at DonorsChoose.org. The first was for two HD Flip Video cameras so that my students could participate in the Life 'Round Here 2010 project. The second was for 10 sets of earbuds so we can use audio and video resources at computer stations in the classroom. On Thursday I logged in and saw that both projects had been funded almost all the way. The catch was that the foundation making the donation would only give the money through the President's Day weekend. Uh oh.

I put out a request for help on Facebook and Twitter, just for the heck of it. I thought that if I got just a few more dollars on each project, I'd pitch in the rest. Not an easy task, mind you, but I'd do it. About five hours later I got the email that the Life 'Round Here project had been fully funded. The next morning I woke up to an email that the earbuds had been funded! WooHoo!

The proposal form is NOT that bad. Of course you have to think about how your request fits with your curriculum and you have to show how your request will help your students do better in school. Your first proposal will take the longest because you're getting used to the format. 

So, the point of this is the following:

1. If you have an equipment need in your classroom, fill out a proposal at DonorsChoose. Of course you want something that is going to move learning forward, but it's pretty open. There are dozens of vendors within the eSchoolMall at DonorsChoose.
2. If you want to participate in a project or go on a field trip, but don't have the money, fill out a proposal. You never know what might happen!
3. If your proposal is almost fully funded, go ahead and ask your Facebook friends and Twitter PLN for help. They will. 

Once you're funded make sure you respond in a timely fashion to DonorsChoose. You have thank you letters to write and pictures to take to let your donors know how they helped.

Take a chance on this. In the past four months, we've had at least four projects funded just at my school alone!