Journal 4

Campbell Laurie, O. (2012). If you give a kid a camera.Learning and Leading, 39(5), 30-33. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Summary: There is a domino effect of learning when a child is handed a video camera. This piece of technology can engage the students' desire for knowledge. One question a teacher should ask themselves before bringing the technology into the classroom is "how does this piece of technology improve the students' understanding of the content?" In the case of video cameras, they can improve content understanding in a variety of subjects. In language arts, for example, students can make quick one-minute vocabulary videos, or short book reviews. In math, they can record their own thinking through a math problem and then review it to study what they did right and what they did wrong. In science, they can use video to provide a visual representation of what they were observing. Lastly, for social studies, they can go into their community and record primary sources of the events around them. Using video cameras allows children to practice problem based learning, and share their solutions with students all around the world.

Question 1: How can a teacher advocate for the use of video cameras in the classroom when budgets are low?   

I think the best thing a teacher can do is show to the administration the importance of using technology. Teachers can research classes that have done similar projects and show the success of those students. Fundraising can also go a long way in reaching the goals to purchase such equipment. It also allows the children to feel like they are taking responsibility in their own education.

Question 2: What other benefits can come from students learning to use video cameras?

Students will learn responsible handling of technology and the proper ways to care for cameras. They will learn to share the equipment among each other. They will also realize that other students will be using their camera and that they need to take good care of it so the other students will get the same opportunity as they are getting. Making videos also engages the students creativity and allows them to think in a variety of ways that typical school learning limits.

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