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| Photo from documentcam.com |
The biggest push for technology use in classrooms needs to focus on having teachers on board and interested in the technical device and its applications to their content. (Green, 2014) The document camera is a perfect example of a tool that when used daily, integrates technology into the classroom seamlessly. A document camera “for the classroom allows teachers to show documents, 3-D objects, slides, and microscopic images, as well as share images with connected students over the internet.” (“What is a Documents”, 2021) The document camera is a versatile, vital tool for all teachers including the school librarian. Let us look at a few examples of how it can be used in a variety of situations.
Science: Able to display a plant, rock, or even a dissection of a frog. Students can take notes and make their own drawings which eliminates making copies.
Math: Able to project math manipulatives or graph a parabola on graph paper under the document camera. The instructor can display test/quiz/homework questions at the same time they work through the problem so students can relate the question to the result.
English/Language Arts: Able to annotate a paper in real time so students can follow along or they may show the book they are using for a read aloud.
Librarian: Able to demonstrate how to use a research site directly on computer so students can follow along on what they need to do while on their computer.
Art: Able to project modeling clay while instructing how to do manipulate it or have the students show their work in a show and tell fashion.
An added benefit is if the teacher took notes on paper and displayed it under the camera during class, they can save those actual papers in a notebook to have on hand for anyone who is absent or needs more time with the notes. You can place the document camera anywhere in a room so the teacher can face the students and not have to turn their back to them to use a white/smart board. The teacher could record the lesson while in progress and post the videos to a website or YouTube channel for students to review again if needed. If the school needs to go virtual, the document camera is portable and can offer so many opportunities to keep the class going in a manner they are accustomed to on a daily basis. The possibilities are endless. And to elevate the learning environment, students can use the document cameras to share or explain something they are working on in class as well.
In education there is a model that is an “assessment framework for understanding technology’s role in teaching, learning and curricular practices” (Hughes, 2010) that is known as the R.A.T. model. R.A.T. stands for Replacement, Amplification, and Transformation. Technology replaces some styles of instruction but, it can also highlight existing curriculum and transform the existing instruction practice. (Hughes, 2010) All of these encourage the person embracing this model to become a better version of themselves in their teaching path by using new technology tools within parameters that highlights the learning process.
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| RAT artwork Paleo-Beast-Emperor |
How does the introduction and use of the document camera in a classroom fit into the R.A.T. model?
Replacement: It can replace the white board or smartboard used in classrooms. The document camera allows the teacher to face the students and not have to turn their back on them which is a huge plus.
Amplification: The document camera increases efficiency because you can make less photocopies and seamlessly transition to an online environment using the same practices.
Transformation: It allows teachers to think outside of the box and use more 3-dimenstional items. The change it brings helps visual, auditory, and tactile learners by having a more immersive classroom experience.
Document cameras are a necessity for the classroom as we become more flexible in teaching virtual and wanting better interaction with our students during the learning process. Talk to your school about getting one for your room!
Additional Websites:
12 Ways to Use a Document Camera
Language Arts Tips with Document Camera
Example of Kindergarten Mathlesson using Document Camera
Pinterest also has great lesson plan ideas using the document camera for a specific grade or content area.
Sources:
Green, L. (2014). Through the Looking Glass. Knowledge Quest. Vol. 43 Issue 1, p36-43.
4 comments:
Hi Caroline, I enjoyed reading your post! Document cameras seem like a great tool to add to a classroom or library. I remember having teachers use these when I was in school and I always found them so helpful. As a librarian, I think it would be fun to display a book during a read-aloud to a group of elementary students so everyone can see the illustrations. I like your point that this technology allows teachers to stay facing their students. I never thought of it in this way, but I imagine that’s a huge benefit and somewhat of a timesaver since teachers could see students reactions/questions to the lesson as they are teaching. I also like the idea of having students present projects using this tool. I think it could add a dynamic and fun element to an otherwise routine presentation. Thanks for sharing!
— Callie Graham
Hello Carolina, I agree with you the document camera is an excellent technology infusing tool. I use mine everyday. I am able to project my assignments onto the smart board and the entire class can see the document. I can make a small object very large by zooming in on it. In the library, a book can be placed under it so that the entire class can see the book even if they are at a distance. At my school, we use Clear View Boards and the document camera is connected to it. The Clear View board is like a very large TV screen. I love using it. Thanks for allowing me to comment on your post.
Hi Caroline!
Document cameras are like an updated version of overhead projectors. I remember my teachers using the overhead projector daily to show different worksheets, documents, and 3D objects. I enjoyed reading your examples of how different subjects could use document cameras. You really made great points on how document cameras can enhance learning and allow students to see things up close leading to a more immersive classroom. One way that I would use document cameras if I was having story time with multiple classrooms, would be to show the book on it, so every student can see the illustrations and words. There has been plenty of times when students who sit in the back say that they can't see. Document cameras are the perfect solution to this.
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for your post! I enjoyed how you gave ideas of how the document camera can be used in every subject, and the links that you shared are very helpful!
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