More and more we are finding teachers using digital cameras in the classroom to aid them in instructional methods. Digital cameras offer a variety in lesson plans and student participation. No longer are prints taken and then sent off to be developed with hopes that most will come back clear and usable. Now, prints are shown immeditaly, easily manipulated and only quality photos are printed. This makes including digital cameras into lesson plans fun and gives the teacher and students a chance to express a different level of creativity.
Students are benefiting from the use of digital cameras because they love to take pictures of themselves! It is this factor that makes lesson plans more intimate. Students are able to add graphics right on the camera, which saves them the trouble of scanning and then editing. This promotes time mangement and effency. Students can witness first hand the ease and lack of waste when printing their own photos.
With every new advancement, however, there are some concerns with using a digital camera in the classroom. First, is that they cost money and students need to have a clear understanding at the appropriate and inappropriate uses. It is suggested that the teacher organize a sort of training program for the students where they are taught exactly how to use it, what is expected of them and what will be considered inappropriate. The teacher may decide to test the students on the information and once they have passed they may then begin using the camera. Second, teachers should always be careful when taking pictures of students. Proper permission slips need to be filled out and kept on record. Some parents will strongly object to their child's photo being taken and it is the teachers job to know and appreciate those wishes.
There are a few suggestions offered to teachers in regard to bringing the digital camera into the classroom. First, don't be scared. It is no secret that in this day and age technology can be intimidating. If you are worried about your knowledge you can ask a student to help you. This will make them feel like an important part of the learning process. Second, start slowly. Introduce the camera much before you plan on incorporating it into a specific lesson plan. This will allow time for the students to get used to it and may prevent some experimenal goofing around when it comes time for instuctional use.
This article provided many different ways to incorporate the use of digital cameras into lesson plans. I am citing a couple of those examples below.
1. Give students a portion of a digital picture and have them guess what the picture is of. A great site with examples of this is: http://takeacloserlook.homestead.com/ - Paula Fleischer, Peachland Elementary.
2. Give students a list of items to look for in the classroom or in the school. They must take pictures and compile a presentation (slide show, web page, etc.) of the things they found during their scavenger hunt to prove they found them all.
3. Photograph places in the community (parks, libraries, etc.). Have students compile reports to go with the photographs and print a brochure about their community.
4. Take pictures during the day to give a photographic record of classroom procedures. Print the pictures out and post them so students can review the procedures as needed.
5. Have each kindergartner choose a letter. Then, go on a walk around the school or in the neighborhood. When the child finds something that begins with that letter, take a picture of the child with that object. Use the pictures to create a class alphabet chart.
I encourage everyone to check out www.wacona.com/digicam/digicam. There are many more wonderful ideas for incorporating a digital camera into your lesson plans!
