A document camera is the descendant of the traditional overhead projector coming with more advanced technology. It’s something that’s not common, but its abilities and functions are incredible. Have you been curious about what is a classroom document camera used for?
The document camera is of course more modern than the overhead projector system, and it allows individuals to work remotely on Wi-Fi with others. Teachers can use the device to magnify objects and texts for everyone in the classroom to see. Doc cams have easy-to-use features and software that supports webcams making them a perfect presentation tool.
This camera is not only adaptable and functional but it can also work remotely across an internet connection. This allows you to work with more people than just those in the room with you.
The quality of recorded video footage is very important to make online learning effective. In this sense, document cameras have such ability to bring objects into the online classroom.
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>>>Looking for a document camera? You may want to check our best picks with features that you need for classroom use.
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Now, let’s see what is a classroom document camera used for
Also known as a doc cam, this device is a downward-pointing camera propped up on a highly flexible and elevated stand that projects enlarged high-quality images of whatever is positioned directly in front of the lens. The projected image is then displayed on a clear projection panel or an LCD monitor that is connected to the doc cam.
It is basically a digital visual presenter or visualizer that greatly increases the visual appeal and engagement of discussions and presentations for a wide range of audiences. A document camera might make lectures and classes ten times more engaging and interactive. It can be an excellent tool for a difficult-to-please class.
You can make this tool to make lectures and presentations. You’ll love how easy it is to convey to a fairly large number of people. It is also one of the quickest ways to hold the attention of a disinterested or inattentive demographic. Regardless of what subject or lesson, a doc cam is extremely helpful for you and your students.
There are many different uses for this doc cam and here are FIVE of the most common ones in the classroom setting:
1) Enlarge Documents, Textbooks, and Articles
If enlarging documents is the main feature of traditional projectors, then enlarging and projecting articles along with syncing up any kind of two-dimensional printed materials is the main function of a document camera. What is even better is how quickly and easily you can set up the device without difficulties – you will not need any kind of assistance.
With a device like this around, both teachers and students will no longer worry about not having enough handouts or textbooks. Simply prop the document camera up and you’ll have your materials on full display for everyone to follow along with. All you have to do is discuss it.
2) Clear Illustration of Maps & Diagrams
A document camera is designed with an optical zoom lens feature to purposely lay out maps and diagrams. It is particularly helpful with documents that have a lot of small details. The zoom lens is capable of zeroing in on fine prints without complications. In short, you can use it to integrate physical objects into the lessons.
Additionally, it shows off a globe, which idea can be considered to be simpler to understand than a 2D depiction of a particular region. You could do a live demonstration of a scientific experiment with your pupils through the internet if you teach science.
Now you can explain to the students how diagrams like charts, graphs, and schematics function with ease. Students need a clear, well-illustrated visual representation to acquire and comprehend some of the most time-consuming to examine ideas. It makes everything simpler for the pupils to understand and for the teacher to prepare.
3) Present Math Manipulatives Better
One selling point that comes with this device is its ability to project high-quality images of two-dimensional objects. It acts as a camera and recorder so you can display a video of three-dimensional stuff on the big screen where every student in a class can properly see.
A document camera is a very helpful tool for math classes, particularly when employing math manipulatives. When it comes to teaching mathematical principles like pattern identification, arithmetic, and, of course, the fundamentals of counting, teachers are aware that certain Math topics can necessitate a significant amount of visual presentation.
There are tons of math manipulatives to choose from and a document camera is here to help make these tools more interactive. That way, even the most inattentive student in the class would be able to watch, learn, and catch up. If you can trick children using this device, then it makes an interesting brain teaser.
4) Demonstrate Science Experiments Excitingly
I am sure no one will deny that a Science class can become one of the most exciting classes to attend. Laboratory experiments are sessions where the majority of the topics require demonstrations and observations and a doc cam would make everything so full of life.
For example, use it to project the whole step-by-step process of dissections, metamorphoses, and experiments. Another is labeling the parts of the human body, mastering the different species of birds and their colors, or zooming in on nature are among the best examples of how a document camera is used when teaching science.
Additionally, you can record data with your doc cam and document it. It will be convenient to go through any subject repeatedly with the entire class. This is ideal for students that are curious. If you want to be sneaky, you can use screenshots from these demos in a task or test. That is a really good method of assessing students.
5) Better Classroom Dynamics & Management
This device literally has a variety of purpose that not only makes the classroom experience more engaging, but it also bring together both students and teachers as one.
Did you know that a doc cam can be used as a webcam to record actual presentations, speeches, and show-and-tells for students to showcase their creative sides in front of the class? Try it!
You can utilize the document camera to communicate with and watch other classrooms or virtual guests from anywhere in the world using video conferencing software like Skype. Make your class into a movie by directing the lights, camera, action. Whatever is captured can subsequently be uploaded to a webpage for the classroom. Many parents will be grateful to you for making it simple for them to monitor what their kids are learning all day long.
To help students manage their time more effectively, you can even utilize it to project a timer and to-do lists on the large screen. Therefore, a document camera is a lifesaver when it comes to describing how to operate calculators, clocks, radios, and anything else that is utilized on a daily basis.
Learn how to be creative with your document camera. An active learning video shared by Dr. Cristina Bonaccorsi (Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University)
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A Document Camera Is An Earth-Friendly Device
In addition to all the entertaining and amiable applications, the concept of a document camera is environmentally sustainable. The way it promotes paperless files and notes greatly reduces costs, which also helps to save forests. It can perform the functions of numerous instruments with utmost efficiency, which makes it potential in a modern classroom.
It encourages your students to recognize the aesthetic value of both living and inanimate objects. The document camera magnifies extremely minute details that are worth discussing when students view the specifics of any object they place beneath the camera. Consider how this component of learning might aid in their comprehension of other objects.
I would say a document camera is worth investing in. You will be happy and your students will be amazed to see all the details you want them to see properly and completely. It becomes a part of your success as a teacher to see them develop their observation and comprehension skills by encouraging critical thinking.
Now that you know what is a classroom document camera used for, do you have something specific for your kind of doc cam? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
