Document Cameras

Document Camera

2/25/2009

I am a big fan of the document camera in the classroom as it allows me to present anything I want when I want. Recently, I built a relatively cheap document camera using a camcorder and a homemade stand. The quality of the video reproductions from this budget model seem to be much superior to that of the more expensive "real" document cameras. Please feel free to come by my room to check it out sometime.

Why I like a document camera in the classroom:

Overhead Projector
As a overhead projector, you can project anything instantly and in color.
• Provide notes while maintaining eye contact with students
• Textbook examples, pictures, word problems
• Student work (both model work and where students need help)
• Easy to have individual or group presentations – students don’t have to write their work on the board or use transparencies
• Manipulatives, experiments, calculators and timers are all real-time and enlarged
• Establish routines through set index card transitions

Object Scanner
As an object scanner, you can instantly digitize any object or document and then manipulate it in software (like Smartboard Notebook).
• Import examples, problems, pictures or 3-dimensional objects into Notebook software
• Document class notes for absent students
• Archive your class activities for next year

Costs (estimate $110)
• Approximately $30 for stand
- $15 Panavise 854-1/2 " Micro Conduit Security Camera Mount
- $15 for millimene, conduit, elbows, etc.
• $10 Firewire cable 4pin to 6pin
• Digital Video Camera $70 (ebay)

For more information, check out http://lightsmithimager.com