The document camera allows a teacher to write on a sheet of paper or to display a two or three-dimensional object while the class watches a large display of the event projected on a screen or wall. The cameras come in all shapes, sizes, and prices and have varying abilities.
Research
Document cameras are quickly becoming an effective teaching tool and are seen in classrooms where educators are creatively using them in all content areas.
Some of the features can include:
- Zoom in/zoom out
- Rotate/Pan/Freeze
- Capture images
- View images stored on camera or SD card
- Picture by picture (live image surrounded by stored images)
- Use whiteboard tools to make annotations on images
- Capture images at preset intervals
- Record video and audio
- Connect a microscope viewer
Examples of Science Activities
- Place real life objects like leaves, worms, caterpillars, and cacti under the document camera to prompt scientific inquiry.
- Point the document camera towards materials so that the entire class has a good visual range. For example, if you are measuring a liquid, tilt the camera so that it points at the side of the cup and the measurements will be visible on the large screen.
- Project a large visual picture on a whiteboard for students to label.
- Project a graphic organizer on a whiteboard for students to fill in with dry erase markers.
- Place objects with interesting details such as computer circuit boards, fossils, plants, or fingerprints on the camera and project a large image.
- Place a timer on the camera and all students will be able to see it and monitor the time.
Resources
Using document camera in the early childhood classroom
(broken link) http://www.pre-kpages.com/elmo.html
100 Ideas for the Document projector and document camera
(broken link) https://www.madison.k12.al.us/Schools/mces/facultystaff/mmann/Documents/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20ELMO%20ideas.pdf
Want to go the next step?
Marzano Strategies and Document Cameras
http://www.mckeelschools.com/uploads/ibis/useyourdoccamera.pdf