How can I use Document Cameras in the Classroom?

A document camera is a camera that is hooked on to an LCD projector, allowing the user to place things under the camera so that it appears on the big screen for everyone to see. This tool has a lot of potential to aid teaching in the classroom. This technology can be used for different subjects in different ways.

Writing & language

Essay papers – The teacher can place essay papers submitted by children under the scanner and grade it out loud so that everyone can learn together. One however must be careful to avoid ridiculing a child in front of others. It can be detrimental to the child’s confidence and also hinder the learning experience.

Dictionary skills – This device can also be used to enhance spellings in the classroom. The teacher can place an actual dictionary under the camera allowing the students to be involved in the process of locating words, understanding their meaning and learning the spelling.

Whiteboard – Instead of using a whiteboard, the teacher can put a paper under the camera and write on that instead. This can also help those teachers who are conscious of the slanting writing to ensure that they write straight by simply using lined paper.

Reading

Teachers can use this technology to share a book in a group reading session. The book can be placed under the camera and projected on the screen to allow everyone to see it. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, literally.

Other subjects

Document cameras in the classroom can be used to show students maps and pictures of various countries or to show visual aids in a history lesson. Even science can be made fun if demonstrated under the camera. It can also be used by primary school students for show-and-tell.

How can we use document cameras in the classroom to teach different subjects?

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