Document Camera Ideas

Last year I experimented with using a webcam in class. I projected demos and activities that were either too small (or in one case too large) for a whole class to see clearly, and occasionally something out of the text book. It was kind of a basic document camera, and for my purposes was good enough.

Recently my school received several higher quality cameras, so to help roll them out I collected a few more use cases for the school bulletin

WHAT IS A DOCUMENT CAMERA?

A “document camera” is a small video camera attached to a stand so that it can look down at objects or papers on a table. The image is projected directly through an LCD projector, or though a computer attached to an LCD projector. Some document cameras have extra features like a zoom lens, light, or auto-focus to improve image quality.

WHY WOULD I USE A DOCUMENT CAMERA?

1. Share Student Work
   
   • Show a homework assignment to the class and discuss.
     
   • Ask students to brainstorm in groups, and then show their notes the class.
     
2. Demonstrate
   
   • Increase class visibility while you demonstrate a technique.
     (Most document cameras can pan and rotate to capture at any angle)
     
   • Display an experiment at close range so that students can see small materials and read instruments.
     
   • Fill in a worksheet together with the class.
     
3. Read Together
   
   • Project a textbook page so that students can read together and keep eyes up.
     
   • Project a text on a whiteboard, or use a SmartBoard or Airliner, and annotate for guided reading.
     
   • Show a single newspaper article, musical score, poem, etc. to the class. (may avoid photocopying handouts)
     
4. Integrate paper and computer tools
   
   • Quickly switch between showing the computer screen and paper.
     
   • Split the computer screen and display both the document camera image and other applications.
     
5. Convenience vs. overhead projector
   
   • Avoid photocopying or washing acetates
     
   • Remove projector cart from the centre of classroom when ceiling mounted LCD’s are present
     
6. Record
   
   • Use time-lapse settings to record evolving processes
     
   • Record a demonstration or experiment for a student who is ill or absent, or for students to review later
     

Sources:

•  University of Missouri: Teaching Tips: Classroom Use of ELMO Document Cameras
•  Show Me Great Lessons!
• @TechCoachScribe