A document camera is the descendant of the traditional overhead projector but its abilities and functions are incredible. Have you been curious about what is a classroom document camera used for?
Teachers can utilize a document camera to record a topic of interest and use the material for live presentations and recorded films. The device can 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 can operate remotely over an internet connection. It also allows individuals to work remotely on Wi-Fi with others. In this sense, document cameras have such ability to bring objects into the online classroom.
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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 primary feature of conventional projectors, then the primary function of a document camera is to enlarge and project articles as well as sync up any type of two-dimensional printed materials. What’s even great is how quickly and simply the device can be set up without any issues; you won’t need any help.
With such a tool available, neither educators nor students will be concerned about running out of handouts or textbooks. You may put your materials on full display for everyone to see by simply raising the document camera. You only need to talk about it.
2) Clear Illustration of Maps & Diagrams
In order to construct maps and diagrams, a document camera is developed with an optical zoom lens feature. It is especially beneficial for documents with numerous minute details. Without difficulty, the zoom lens can focus closely on small type. To put it simply, you can use it to include real-world materials in the training.
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.
Use it, for instance, to project the entire step-by-step procedure of experiments, metamorphoses, and dissections. The best examples of how a document camera is utilized for teaching science are labeling the human body’s components, learning the hues of various bird species, and zooming in on the natural world.
With your document camera, you may also record data and document it. It will be convenient to go through any subject repeatedly with the entire class. For inquiring students, this is perfect. You can utilize screenshots from these demos in a task or test if you want to be cunning. That is a pretty effective technique for evaluating kids.
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!
Using video conferencing software like Skype, you can use the document camera to speak with and observe other classrooms or virtual visitors from any location in the world. By controlling the lighting, camera, and action, turn your class into a movie. Everything that is recorded can then be uploaded to a webpage for the classroom. You will be appreciated by many parents for making it simple for them to keep track of what their children are learning.
You may also use it to project a timer and to-do lists on the big screen to assist pupils with time management. So when it comes to explaining how to use calculators, clocks, radios, and anything else that is used on a regular basis, a document camera is a lifesaver.
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
The idea of a document camera is environmentally sustainable in addition to all the amusing and friendly applications. It encourages the use of electronic documents and notes because doing so saves money and protects forests. It has the potential to be used in a contemporary classroom because it can carry out the tasks of several instruments with maximum efficiency.
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 believe that a document camera is worth investing in. When students accurately see all the details you want them to, you will be pleased with the result. By promoting critical thinking, you also help them improve their ability to observe and comprehend. This alone contributes to your effectiveness as a teacher.
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.
