As an elementary school teacher it is often hard to find articles specifically geared towards the lower grade levels, especially when it comes to using technology in the classroom. It seems as if the authors of many of the technology based articles think that elementary aged students either don't understand technology or don't use it. The worst thing is when they just assume that there is no access to technology for these young learners. As a teacher who loves to integrate technology into the classroom it is frustrating.
I have been researching the use of a digital camera in the classroom and trying to see if by using one the learning being done is enhanced. I found an article, "Quick, Get the (Digital) Camera," in Education World. It is the first article I have found that I feel focusing specifically on the elementary aged student and their use of a digital camera in the classroom. While there are no specific references to the education being enhanced by the digital camera, you get the feeling that it happened when you read the article and looked through the links. The ideas for ways to use the camera are great and I could see using many of them in my classroom.
Lori Miller, a teacher in Georgia, says, "Embrace it and share your ideas with others who might be hesitant. Brainstorm with students and fellow teachers. Try some of the ideas you come up with, write down what works and what doesn't work, and then, brainstorm again. The more you learn, the more you'll want to learn about digital photography." This truly sums up why we need to introduce this newer technology into our classrooms. If we all follow Ms. Miller's advice, we will see a great enhancement in the education our students have.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech148.shtml
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Jen, that is a great article. I especially like Craig Nansen's quote about the importance of students "to become creators of content,". That is truly adding new learning styles and higher learning thinking skills to the curriculum. Plus, that unmeasurable factor of student satisfaction with a job well done - by themselves!
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Again you found a website with a number of unique ways to use a camera in the classroom. I liked some of the practical uses discussed. From my year as a sub, I loved the idea of pictures included on a seating chart. Also, taking pictures of classroom procedures is a good idea for the elementary level.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen;
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found an article geared more for your age group. I thought there were some wonderful ideas for projects. I especially liked the idea of writing a class novel and adding photos. Your students might remember some of these activities years later.
I read the "Quick Digital Camera Tricks" where it talked about making CDs. I hadn't thought about that. You could put your projects on CDs, make your own custom CD covers, and give them out to the students.