"The constantly changing landscape of educational technology can be thought of as a series of transactions from older tools to newer ones" (Thornburg, 2009). With Thornburg's words in mind, we too are facing many transformations at my school when it comes to integrating new technology. One of the most prevalent changes is the incorporation of the document camera. Even though there are many types of document cameras being integrated, the most popular brand is the ELMO and can be located at http://www.elmousa.com/index.php.

What needs does the document cameras meet in our school? Document cameras not only let you project information and books on to SmartBoards, but they also let teachers move the camera's arm to project from different angles. As the arm moves, it allows the camera to show views of the object's side, front, and top positions just by making slight adjustments. Secondly, document cameras allow teachers to zoom in and out on an object or perform tasks, like experiments, live so the entire room can see them at the same time. As the teacher manipulates the arm, more students are able to see the demonstration without getting in each other's way or moving up to the front. In addition, document cameras are able to connect to a microscope and go into "microscope mode" so everyone can see magnified images on a slide. Being able to see microscope images as a class, allows teacher to cut down on the expense of buying a classroom set of microscopes and slides.

 

In addition to positive effects, there are some negative aspects of document cameras. First, some of the document cameras are only being used as glorified overhead projectors even when they can do so much more. Teachers are only focusing on their simplicity rather than their ability to be an interactive tool. To fix this problem, we can provide training for teachers on how to use it in more interactive ways. In addition, the ones that we have at our school tie teachers to one place in the classroom. They do not allow teachers to walk around the room and monitor students' progress as they complete assignments. This problem has a solution, but it requires another type of innovation called a slate. Purchasing this tool would cost extra money to purchase and time to train teachers on how to use them. Lastly, the only other negative aspect of the document cameras is the fact that we do not have enough money in our budget this year for everyone at our school to have one in their classrooms because of their price. Although we have several documents camera at our school, I hope that we will continue to integrate their innovativeness within our classrooms.

 

Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.