Reflection 1

WHAT?

A feature of technology that is being used in classrooms today is the document camera. The document camera is hooked up to the computer and serves as a newer version of the overhead projector. Yet, instead of having to transfer all paper documents to a clear overhead projector sheet, you are simply able to use the original paper document. The document will be projected on the screen, and the camera allows for different levels of zoom and focus. Another feature of the document camera is the "freeze" button. This allows you to freeze frame the document that you have placed on the camera, so that when you remove the piece of paper or book from the camera, the image will still be visible on the screen.
SO WHAT?                                                                                                                    
I have seen my professors use it many times, and it is very convenient for teaching, especially for the primary grades! I used the document camera in Instructional Design to show a page of a children's book. This is a fantastic way to read books to children because the book can be enlarged on a screen for them to view. I also saw this document camera used in my Math Methods class by Professor Daley. It was very useful for modeling a math problem because it showed the step-by-step process on a large screen with readable pen. This document camera can be a very helpful tool in the classroom. Not only is it convenient for the teacher (way more convenient than using an overhead projector), but it is also exciting for the students to see the read-aloud book projected up on a large screen in front of them. Technology fascinates students, so we as teachers must get in touch with the newest and best forms of technology.
NOW WHAT?                                                                                                               
Try out the document camera. It takes some time of playing around with it to figure out how it works, but I can guarantee that once you try out the document camera, you will love the convenience of it. The document camera is used in many school classrooms now, so to get your hands on one for practice, scope out your nearest classroom to familiarize yourself with it.