Using document camera in the class room

Using document camera in the class room

1. Look at Small Objects

Small text can quickly be brought to light using the zoom features on most document cameras. Instead of passing around items, they can be viewed by an entire class all at once.

Some manufacturers sell attachments that can be used on the end of a microscope! How cool is that?

2. Bypass Making Copies

The on-going fight with the school copier is over! Why spend the time and money to make 100 different copies that will be found on the floor or in the trash can the next day? Placing a book or passage under the camera will allow for students to discuss the text without the need of excess paper. You’re welcome, trees!

3. Make Images of Student Work 

Sharing student work can be tricky; a document camera allows you to take a photo of the item. This photo can be used for later classes or uploaded to the classroom website for parents and other teachers to access.

Now you will not have to keep up with the original item and can rely on a digital copy.

4. Maps

Roads and locations can be hard to see when showing 20+ kids one map at a time. Use the camera and the camera’s zoom feature.

5. Record Video

Many people don’t realize that the document cameras can also be great media tools. I use the camera to record myself working out a math problem; I then upload the video to my classroom website and YouTube account.

6. Magnify Rulers

Looking at fractions on a ruler? A fraction of an inch is hard to show without the help of zoom.

7. Digital Field Trips

You can point the camera towards the students or the teacher when connecting with other people around the world.

8. Time Lapse

Are you studying something that changes only a little bit at a time like the metamorphosis of a butterfly? This is a great way to show small changes over time.

9. Demonstrate an App on a Tablet or Phone

Some document cameras do not work well with the glare from tablet and phones, but if you find one that works well, you can use it to show an app or website. Some of my favorite tools are apps that students use on my classroom iPad. It is much easier to show the app one time to the entire class as opposed to individual demonstrations.

10. Peer Editing

Did a student do an excellent job on an assignment and you want to share their thinking with the rest of the class? Pop it under the camera and the entire group can see!

Students truly enjoy using technology. Using a document camera not only provides the classroom with another method for learning, but can open the eyes of students to things they may have never been able to see before.