The first tool that caught my attention was the digital microscope. Before getting to our Resources section, I'd already made the leap to our doc cameras. The teachers that have had access to these are crazy about them. Unfortunately, we only have 7 on campus, so access is limited. More than access, though, is the lack of training. I know there are many aspects of the doc cameras that are not being used simply because the teachers don't know they exist. However, the basics of being able to project a science experiment, math manipulative, or even the page of a picture book has resulted in a higher level of attention and excitement on the part of the students. Use of the doc camera also requires a projector, which escalates the cost. However, as we begin to face TV replacement, it may be time to consider abandoning TVs for the flexibility of projected presentation systems. The need for TV access is diminishing as the web provides access to more and more of the same time-sensitive resources. Since our internal broadcast capability crashed, we have no essential need for TV, except for video, DVD and computer projection, which are all possible via the projection setup.
I am also excited about the student animation involvement. I can envision our Kinder kids producing the claymation video using Movie Maker or Storyteller (?). While the book referred to a rain forest project, I can see this easily applied to the Communities Unit that is common in Kinder. Our Kinder teachers are energetic and, if they could produce an example of this work by the kids, it would have a twofold effect. First, it would show higher grade levels that their age groups are capable. Second, it would establish an expectation on the part of the students for this type of activity to be executed and expanded as they continue in school. Assuming the results would be published, either on the school website, the teacher web pages, or simply shown in an open house environment, parents, too, would expect to see more in the future.
A fairly new development in terms of this book is the use of the Flip video cameras. I have the basic Flip, which is inexpensive and very easy to use. I have also used the HD Flip, slightly more expensive, but better quality. This camera (and others like it) will make it economically feasible for schools with small budgets to make video available for kids to play and learn. I'm looking forward to using it next year as an alternative to our broadcast.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I saw a presentation at the Region 4 Mini Tech Conference last that showed young students creating a movie using the document cameras. They actually drew pictures to tell a story. They presented the story to the class by showing each picture using the document camera and narrating the story. The teacher recorded these as they presented them and was able to post videos for parents to see. I thought that was an interesting way to to get prewriters to create stories.
ReplyDeleteThe Flip cameras are great for classroom use. Even if they don't have the greatest quality, we can get the technology in the hands of students. They can produce great stuff if we would just let them. And these cameras are affordable.
I know that you have asked for training fot the document cameras. I dropped th ball on that. We definitely can come to your campus and provide training for your teachers either after school or during conference periods.