2. More than show and Tell Digital cameras have many uses in today’s classrooms. They are easy to use, easy to obtain and who doesn’t love to take pictures! Gone are the days of taking pictures, depositing your film in a slot, and waiting days to see how they come out. Digital pictures are instant, most software is easy to use, pictures can be printed from a computer and on almost any kind of paper.
3. Reasons to use digital cameras in the K-5 Classroom Today’s K-5 student has been exposed to digital and video technology all their lives. Digital cameras motivate and engage students and teachers. Can used for various forms of assessment. Enhance literacy for visual and kinesthetic learners. Digital pictures are immediate, colorful, make learning interactive, and versatile. Can be used to assist students who are ELL’s or suffer from a learning disability. Can be used to enhance or supplement all subjects. Allow students and teachers to use their imagination and creativity. Encourage students to become more involved with their project, lesson, or activity. Gives students more autonomy and can establish their “voice”. Can help students become more responsible for their own learning. Find learning opportunities in unusual places.
4. The Digital Story One way to use the digital camera in Language Arts , Social Studies Science or Math is to create a digital story. Students take pictures them lend their voice to narrate the pictures. They can explain a procedure, describe an event, or simply tell a story. Microsoft Photostory, Animoto, Mixbook, Museumbox, & Frames ($$) are examples of software programs that assist with creating a digital story. Photostory Example
5. Video Recorders There are many advantages for teacher to use video recordings in the classroom. Like digital cameras, video helps students learn. Whether teachers record a lesson, present a podcast, or uses you tube, all will supplement the lesson. Look at this mini science lesson:
6. Websites and Resources www.blabberize.com www.microsoft.com/.../digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx www.mixbook.com/edu http://museumbox.e2bn.org/index.php www.rockdale.k12.ga.us/personal/mholbrook/.../default.aspx www.wacona.com/digicam/digicam.html webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/digitalcameras.htm fdlrs.brevard.k12.fl.us/digicam/WebResources.html school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/gadgets.html www.greensburg.k12.in.us/ges/library/.../DigitalCameraLessonPlans.doc www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3122 http://www.educationworld.com/a_tsl/archives/03-1/lesson034.shtml (This is a lesson plan about a digital scavenger hunt)
