Document Cameras are pretty amazing. I'd go so far as to say they are a better use of instructional funds in the classroom than an Interactive Whiteboard (am I allowed to say that?!?). There are so many amazing uses for a document camera (sure, many of them do follow the old 'sage on the stage' classroom model...or do they?). I'll get back to that...So why didn't anyone have a document camera? Number one reason? They're expensive...SO expensive, or so I thought. We're a mid-sized Title I school, so I feel like helping my teachers get as much technology integrated into the classroom for effective instruction is my number one priority. I would love to hand out document cameras like Santa, but it seemed so cost prohibitive- until it wasn't.
Through a lot of work (especially with one teacher), we ended up finding a document camera that is inexpensive and works great. The IPEVO Point 2 View USB Camera* ended up meeting all of the items on my wishlist and (honestly) surpassing them. So maybe you're like I was...I thought there is no way a $69 camera (with free shipping) can be usable in the classroom. We ordered one to test out and I was very pleasantly surprised.
It has great resolution and (though it doesn't have an integrated light), it does really well in low light (teachers frequently turn the lights off for demonstrations). It will take still photo snapshots, works really well with Skype, too. The thing my teacher like most is that it has double mirroring, so that they can have the camera facing them and don't have to work around it. The biggest problem that I thought we had was that these cameras don't natively save video (which none of my teachers have wanted), but if you download Picassa, it will record video.
So in response to sage on the stage...I've been in many classrooms where the teachers have a document cameras- it ends up being so interactive for the kids. I've seen them used with science, to demonstrate how to mount slides and use the microscope- it ensures that all kids can see & understand what to do. I've seen a document camera help kids use a protractor to measure angles- they don't have to 'gather around' anymore, they can work with their manipulatives in their own area- which leads them to make discoveries. I've seen student work go from their desk to being projected in 10 seconds. I've seen 11-year olds basically running a writing seminar from projected work. Kids are reading along with the teacher and they're interested & engaged.
These cameras made it possible for all classes to have a document camera, rather than each grade level sharing one and having to wait to use it. Teachers have been so happy and excited to use them in their classes.
Consider this camera if you're in the market for a document camera. We're still figuring out all of the specific aspects of these cameras (I will be glad to share our learned knowledge), but I definitely haven't been disappointed.
*I wish I could say that I receive free products from Amazon and/or IPEVO...I don't. I just like them.
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