The Educators' Royal Treatment

160 Ways to Use a Document Camera

Compiled by Ken Royal

1. Geometric shapes
2. Fractions
3. Correcting homework
4. Classroom quizzes
5. Brainstorming
6. Sharing brochures
7. Microscope work – pond water
8. Documenting plant growth from seed to green plant
9. Dissection
10. Storyboards
11. Writing prompt editing
12. Daily sentence work
13. Spelling
14. Grammar
15. Sharing artwork
16. Sharing words for early reading skill
17. Sharing words for foreign language classes
18. Venn diagram work
19. Vowel Sound recognition and Phonics rules
20. Demonstrating art techniques
21. Sharing images for documenting stories/school days
22. Solving equations
23. Solving word problems
24. Sharing advanced math processes
25. Student of the day or week recognition
26. Sharing teacher classroom PowerPoints/Presentations
27. Open House demonstrations
28. Faculty meeting talks
29. Quick polls and Surveys
30. Student Presentations
31. Comparing book images with live materials
32. Claymation slideshows
33. Sharing a picture book
34. Dictionary work
35. Demonstrating basic math skills/operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.
36. Flash cards
37. Digital word wall
38. Map skills
39. Timeline work
40. Document capillary action
41. Puppet shows
42. Sharing live animals that cannot be passed around the class –mealworms, earthworms, insects, snakes, fish, etc.
43. Document daily classroom activities for Web posting
44. Podcasting
45. As a video camera
46. For video conferencing
47. How to tech ed construction modeling
48. Guidance counseling instruction and presentations
49. Demonstrate Poetry styles, construction, and write as a class
50. Demonstrate proper letters formation
51. Share lesson rubrics
52. Assemble a puzzle as a class
53.  Take large amount of pictures of items to post online
54. Class read-aloud with book under camera instead of buying more books
55. Choose parts for a play
56. Readers’ theatre – from playbooks, magazines, or student plays
57. Cook/prepare favorite recipe in cooking class
58. Side-by-side comparison of animal and plant cells under microscope
59. Investigate fossils
60. Visualize reflection of lines through a prism
61. Demonstrate Sign Language and finger spelling
62. Count money/coins together as a class
63. Examine the parts of a camera, or other mechanical or technical equipment
64. Litmus tests—acid/base
65. Take a snapshot of a document to put online instead of scanning
66. Record your own narrated digital stories
67. Use for stop-motion animation
68. Create lessons ahead of time for learning centers
69. Create and archive lessons and post online
70. Lessons for homebound students—no lessons missed
71. Sharing dioramas
72. Morning warm-up exercises when students first enter the classroom
73. Fish tank observation
74. Ant farm observation
75. Bird feeder watch
76. Art color wheel demonstration
77. Art techniques
78. Classroom/Student photos for projects, identification, records, and special days
79. Anatomy lessons: skeletal structure, bone articulation lesson
80. Guess the mystery object and its use
81. Owl pellet dissection
82. Writing prompt starters
83. Direction helpers – avoid repeating lesson steps
84. Procedure steps, how to lessons
85. Focus on group sharing
86. Help presenting a group project
87. Teaching organizational skills
88. Checking homework
89. Study skills
90. Classroom Helpers announcements
91. Record class participation
92. Record Teacher Best Practices
93. Help classroom aides, and paraprofessionals with lessons and training.
94. Music to introduce new music/songs/composers
95. Music to learn notes
96. With an SD card to share images from other media devices
97. Gather what students know before a lesson
98. To share the essential question at the start of a lesson
99. To share project choices
100. summarize a lesson, chapter or unit with the class or individual students
101. Gather questions from students – subject, lesson, interest
102. Teachable moments –quick use
103. To compare literary styles
104. To compare literary genre
105. To demonstrate requirements for a 5-paragraph composition
106. Display charts/graphs—different types—bar, pie, as well
107. Measurement lessons – metric, standard, liquid
108. Lab procedure lessons
109. Emergency procedure lessons, diagrams—fire drill routes…lock down
110. Board of education presentations
111. Budget meetings
112. Writing the essential notes to help students with note-taking skills
113. Letter/number formation
114. For freezing the action – in an experiment/observation
115. Guidance – discussing college admissions
116. AP classwork enhancement – all areas
117. Vocabulary lessons
118. Library for sharing new books
119. Author/book discussions
120. Character sketches
121. Introduce new software to students and staff
122. Physical Education to introduce games and positions
123. Morning roster/roll call
124. Routine student line up
125. Post assignments and things to remember at end of class and day
126. Steps to writing letters or e-mail
127. Internet safety lesson
128. Best way to share 2D and 3D objects at the same time
129. Rotate/zoom objects/images without touching them
130. Images of student work saved for parent conferences.
131. Explain wiring/electricity—batteries, wires, bulbs and bells
132. Geology lessons—types of rocks
133. Geology Plate Tectonics
134. For students with Autism – visual prompts
135. Economics class to see trends in the market
136. For creating documentaries
137. Interviews – student, adults, primary sources
138. For teaching how to tell time
139. Demonstrating part of a flower
140. Food chain/Food Web comparison—consumers and producers
141. Physics lessons – Newton’s laws
142. Defining gravity, force, velocity, etc. and related formulae
143. Introducing and sharing the Period Table, atoms, molecules, elements, etc.
144. Sharing the different branches of government
145. Sharing exploration timelines
146. Sharing countries, economies and flags of nations
147. Weather Reports created by the class or individual students
148. Biology – mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, etc, comparison
149. Evolutionary periods, dinosaurs, etc.
150. Rocketry—propulsion
151. Scoring classroom games
152. Calendar work – days, months, years
153. Place value work – units, tens, hundreds, etc. (with manipulatives)
154. Sharing famous people/history
155. Sharing famous quotes/quote of the day/though of the day
156. Sharing the daily schedule
157. Comparing leaves – shape and structure
158. Create and animated movie – scenes unfold under the camera
159. Documentaries
160. Science lab steps

You NEED to Use Technology in the Classroom

by Karyn Keenan

Using technology in the classroom is very important, even if you are a little unsure how to use it. As teachers we often concern ourselves with making sure that we are hitting the curriculum points, that our students respect each other, and that our classroom is well managed. And each of these things has importance. But as we look to the future of education, we’ll need to do much more than this.

 When I was in the 7th grade, my school required us to purchase a laptop and it was integrated throughout the curriculum through 12th grade. Apart from learning how to type very quickly, I realized how much technology could enhance education. If there is a term or concept that the class wants to learn more about, you can easily pull up a search engine. But, what I learned most about was that downloading random songs would surely give your computer a virus, and teachers did not like catching you on AOL Instant Messenger.

The following ideas are important reasons for incorporating technology into your classroom—and easy ways to do it.

1.    We need to teach children how to be safe on the internet

You do this by setting your own example. Make sure to have permission from parents and guardians before you allow students to access the Internet on their own. Also secure permissions to use student pictures and work on your own website or in other places.

When you show your students how to complete a web search, make sure to discuss with them how to pick the best site from the search. It is also important to tell them what the ads are on a search page and how they can decide if they should click on these links or not. If you don’t have a way to show your students a web search live, print off a copy of a search for them and have them look at it in print.

2.    We have to be as “entertaining" as possible.

I once had a parent say to me that her child did a great job of paying attention to the TV at home and she was unsure why he couldn’t pay attention in class!

We might not want to admit it, but most of our students would rather be engaged in technology than learning from us. Rather than demanding attention, we need to work to put technology bells and whistles into our lessons. Think about showing a quick video to introduce a topic, having students create power points on a topic, or making a jeopardy review game.

3.    The Internet and its vast resources offer more than you know.

I wanted to incorporate a daily calendar on the Smartboard. By googling Smartboard and 2nd Grade Calendar I came across www.thewrightroom.com and downloaded an AMAZING notebook file that my students LOVE to use.

4.    Our students have to use technology to navigate their world.

From reserving a book at the library to buying a new transit card, students have to be able to handle technology smoothly and with confidence. By giving them opportunities in school, we are helping them prepare for these experiences. Think about finding an interactive website for kids to use (edheads is a great one for simple machines) and explore on their own.

5.    It’s easier to be prepared for the day.

I have my Morning Meeting schedules created through the end of September. All of my Phonics lessons are in one place and are easily pulled up. The other day my world map fell off the wall and it was no problem. All of this information could be found through my computer and projected for all of my students to see. There’s less transition time and my students receive more visual instruction. Start by putting up your Morning Work directions and your first activity on the computer.

Give Teachers a Document Camera

by Ken Royal

What technology could you confidently give to all educators, and know they could use it?

In a recent online exchange, the topic was what technology teachers are actually comfortable using. Someone suggested that “there hadn’t been anything since the blackboard”, and another suggested the overhead projector. My comment was that teachers had plenty of practice with the latter for about 19 years in bowling alleys before it got to the classroom, so that was easy. There are mimeograph machines, actually broke one when I was student teaching—not a good start; didn’t get a job in that district, and of course printers and copiers, too.

But if I had to think of a piece of hardware that I’d be confident teachers would use, it would be the document camera, sometimes referred to as the visualiser. Now, I’m not saying this is the only thing teachers need, that would be crazy, I’m sure the first thing they’d want is a computer, netbook or notebook. I’m just saying that if you asked an educator, who doesn’t have a document camera—they’d want one. Not only that, it’s something that a teacher can set up themselves, and start to use immediately.

Sure, there would be training beyond sticking a book, paper, or object under the camera, but those basic uses helps build for doing more, like snapping images, creating slideshows, as well as book and real life comparisons. It beats passing a bowl of fish around the room, or a precious fossil borrowed from a museum.

Today, the document cameras project clearer and more colorful images than in the past, and you can actually read the text. In the old days, some of my teachers would use that excuse to continue using overheads. It doesn’t wash today.

If you give an educator a document camera with video and audio capabilities, the sky is the limit. It opens the door for video of classroom activities, distance communications, stop motion animation, and more.

The software is the key. Most come with free, easy to use software, which allows a teacher to easily create, annotate, display or post Web lessons.

Let’s not forget that, today, all classroom hardware must communicate in order to create that interactive classroom everyone talks about, and most educators want. Connecting a document camera to a computer, projector, or interactive slate, or whiteboard doesn’t take technology genius, and most teachers are capable of doing it.

Economically speaking, document cameras are the best bang for the buck, and take up very little classroom real estate. Some fold down to nothing, and are light enough for a 5-year old to carry, not that I’d recommend that. Even the basic models, running under $500 have plenty of internal memory for images, and usually SD card slots as well. That’s something most teachers know from their own digital camera uses. There’s nothing better than prior knowledge.

I’m sure you will have your own ideas about what would make the best tech tool for teachers, but I have to say that I never had a problem with staff using a document camera.  Being creative with one, well, that’s another story, and the answer is patience, time and how to workshops.

12 Document Camera/Visualiser Suggestions from the UK's 'Visualiser Forum'

Interested in how a document camera/visualiser could help you in your class teaching?

Here are our top 12 Document Camera/Visualiser Suggestions from Dave Smith – ICT Consultant for the UK's London Borough of Havering Inspection and Advisory Service and Chair of ‘The Visualiser Forum’.

1. Instantly share resources for all to see and outcomes of pupils’ work to celebrate success - e.g. celebration assemblies, show-and-tell activities.

2. 'Zoom' into natural/manmade objects that can be studied in minute detail. e.g. minibeasts, parts of a plant, historical artefacts, maps etc.

3. Share texts expanding knowledge of different writing styles, punctuation, grammar, sentence construction etc

4. Model accurate use of tools including rulers, protractors, measuring cylinders, brushwork, needlework, saws etc.

5. Peer-assess individual and group progress comparing against success criteria.

6. Create ePortfolios of evidence of learning for assessment by capturing images of pupils’ work and pupils ‘at work’

7. Use with an interactive whiteboard to annotate images of pupils’ work, artefacts and live objects.

8. Capture video demonstrations of activities to playback and share on the interactive whiteboard and across a network/managed learning environment.

9. Create stopframe animations by taking a series of snapshot images.

10. Cut preparation time with no need to photocopy or scan. Share documents in staff/governing body/parental meetings.

11. Present demonstrations to the wholeclass/groups without crowding.

12. Assist sight impaired pupils with larger visuals for them to see.

‘The Visualiser Forum’ has been set-up by educators and manufacturers in the United Kingdom to promote the educational benefits of document cameras (known as visualisers in the UK).  If you would you be interested in contributing to the Forum please Email the Visualiser Forum

Visit the Visualiser Forum at www.visualiserforum.org

Download a document to share at http://haveringict.edublogs.org/files/2009/05/twelve-ways-that-visualisers-are-creating-a-revolution-in-the-classroom.pdf

More Document Camera, Visualiser Ideas

by Ken Royal

Two lists to spark ideas for document camera use in your class or school, as well as a short video. The first list is for basic document cameras and the second list is for those with audio and video capabilities. My short video shows a simple claymation/animation idea. Don't forget to check my first document camera list - Document Camera Experimenting.

  

Ideas for Basic Document Cameras/Visualisers

1.     Comparing book images with live materials
2.     Sharing a picture book
3.     Dictionary work
4.     Flash cards
5.     Digital word wall - change the words easily
6.     Map skills
7.     Timeline work
8.     Puppet shows
9.     Sharing live animals difficult to pass around the class (mealworms and insects)
10.    Document daily classroom activities for Web posting
11.    Guidance counseling instruction and presentations
12.    Demonstrate Poetry styles, construction, and write as a class
13.    Demonstrate proper letters formation
14.    Share lesson rubrics and expectations
15.    Assemble a puzzle as a class
16.    Choose parts for a classroom play, or group students for projects
17.    Readers’ theatre – from playbooks, magazines, or student plays
18.    Investigate fossils - zoom in for all to see
19.    Demonstrate Sign Language and finger spelling
20.    Count money/coins together as a class
21.    Examine the parts of a camera, or other mechanical or technical equipment
22.    Litmus tests—acid/base
23.    Take a snapshot of a document to put online instead of scanning
24.    Cook/prepare favorite recipe in cooking class
25.    Sharing dioramas
26.    Art color wheel demonstration
27.    Owl pellet dissection
28.    Writing prompt starters
29.    Teaching organizational skills
30.    Checking homework

If your document camera has video capabilities try these:

1.     Podcasting
2.     As a video camera - turn to face the action
3.     For video conferencing - turn to face you - Skype away!
4.     Use for stop-motion animation
5.     Create and archive lessons and post online
6.     Lessons for homebound students—no lessons missed
7.     Fish tank, ant farm, bird feeder, or other animals observations
8.     Document capillary action
9.     Record your own narrated digital stories
10.    Create lessons ahead of time for learning centers
11.    Claymation slideshows - See my video example
12.    Record class participation -great anytime, as well as open house presentations
13.    Record Teacher Best Practices
14.    Help classroom aides, and paraprofessionals with lessons and training.
15.    Music to introduce new music/songs/composers, and learn notes

Document Camera Experimenting & 25 Ideas

Here's a video and short list that may spark a few ideas for using a document camera. These things can be done with any basic document camera—and software. I was using an Lumen's DC260 for the video lesson example. It has more functionality, but I kept it basic. Beyond the document camera, you need to figure out the software. Note: The picture book used is Henry the Impatient Heron, pub. Sylvan Dell. Check also newer post with more document camera/visualiser ideas.

Here's a brainstorm list of 25 ways to use a basic model document camera. Want more—let me know!

1. Displaying Geometric shapes and Fraction work
2. Correcting homework
3. Classroom quizzes
4. Brainstorming
5. Sharing brochures
6. Documenting plant growth from seed to green plant
7. Dissection
8. Storyboards
9. Writing prompt editing
10. Daily sentence work
11. Spelling work
12. Grammar work
13. Sharing artwork
14. Sharing words for early reading skill
15. Sharing words for foreign language classes
16. Venn diagram work
17. Vowel Sound recognition and Phonics rules
18. Demonstrating art techniques
19. Sharing images for documenting stories/school days
20. Solving equations
21. Solving word problems
22. Open House demonstrations
23. Faculty meeting talks
24. Quick polls and Surveys
25. Student Presentations

Real Life Decisions Versus 21st Century Demands

This has been an unprecedented and difficult year for all of us. Our budgets have been cut, our friends have been laid off, our kids and students have had to make sacrifices without a voice, yet we still need to teach…inspire…and give our children the opportunities we never had. Amazing tools are out there to help us grasp the essence of teaching and inspire the students who are parents place in our confidence, but are these tools within reach? Are these methods available for all, or only a few? The answer is simple…yet not simple. 

The answer is both yes and no. Teachers and students have needs. Suppliers and developers have products that can fill those needs, but for a price. Does this example of supply and demand accommodate both sides? Let’s leave that question open for later….

What if it were possible to offer the features of an interactive whiteboard, with the mobility of a wireless slate, add the immediate assessment of a response system and throw in the live visuals of a document camera into one solution at a fraction of the cost of most standalone interactive products?

It is not a dream…it is a reality.  Combine all those incredible teaching solutions into one, with one software package controlling everything, professional development training and teacher forums with live support and you have AVerMedia! 

Is it within reach?  Consider the ability to outfit two or more classrooms with a complete interactive solution for the average cost of one single piece of the puzzle.  Then, throw in the training and support, and you have a solution that will give you the ability to take your students beyond the walls of budgetary confinement and release them of the financial issues we face.

There is no such thing as an easy decision, only choices based on the best information we have.

Grant Woods
Director of Marketing

AVerMedia Information, Inc. 

 

 

Where Have All The Promises Gone?

Where Have All The Promises Gone?

The Painful Education Tech Reality

I spoke to some educators in Arizona, who wanted to use technology every day in their classrooms, and with their students, but either didn't have the technology to do it, or had to wait in line—for too little tech hardware—to become available. I'm talking document cameras and projectors here. Oh, and they're hoping to get a whiteboard someday. Can you imagine two document cameras for a school and nothing for projection! I can’t help but reflect on all the press I’ve given to schools that have—and how little I’ve given to those that don’t. I do understand that I can’t flip a lever to make this right. Times are tough, but let’s get moving here!

All The Promises Gone?

Here's what hit me over the head like a 2 X 4—and still has me dazed. Each Arizona teacher I talked with, came from a school that had just told 5 or more of it's 1st and 2nd year teachers to hit the pavement. Rifting teachers—what kind of stimulus is that! Now, this was just a conversation with only a few educators, so imagine what's happening throughout Arizona, and other parts of the country. This will come back to bite us—big time. Times are tough, but don’t short change kids now by getting rid of new and energetic teachers—the price tag a few years down the road will break the bank.

Where Have All The Promises Gone?

The Painful Education Tech Reality

I spoke to some educators in Arizona, who wanted to use technology every day in their classrooms, and with their students, but either didn't have the technology to do it, or had to wait in line—for too little tech hardware—to become available. I'm talking document cameras and projectors here. Oh, and they're hoping to get a whiteboard someday. Can you imagine two document cameras for a school and nothing for projection! I can’t help but reflect on all the press I’ve given to schools that have—and how little I’ve given to those that don’t. I do understand that I can’t flip a lever to make this right. Times are tough, but let’s get moving here!

All The Promises Gone?

Here's what hit me over the head like a 2 X 4—and still has me dazed. Each Arizona teacher I talked with, came from a school that had just told 5 or more of it's 1st and 2nd year teachers to hit the pavement. Rifting teachers—what kind of stimulus is that! Now, this was just a conversation with only a few educators, so imagine what's happening throughout Arizona, and other parts of the country. This will come back to bite us—big time. Times are tough, but don’t short change kids now by getting rid of new and energetic teachers—the price tag a few years down the road will break the bank.