SO WHAT: In elementary schools teachers read aloud to the class often. Sometimes students are gathered around the teacher tightly and fighting for getting the best view of the tiny picture book. The document camera is a great alternative to story time, where students can remain at their desk but follow along my watching the projection on the big screen.
NOW WHAT: For me, it seems sad to give up the traditional way of story time and everyone circling up. But in some situations I believe the document camera to be the better way. Teachers should utilize this technological resource if they can, as I believe it will help student learning and participation.
The first time I saw that done was in an actual 4th grade classroom. The teacher had the book under the doc cam and the students each had their own book. It was so helpful when a student lost their place reading, the teacher could just point to it in her book and the whole class could see where they were supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteAs for circling the class up, I don't think that will ever go away entirely especially for the youngsters, but for the older kids the document cam is a great thing!