Document Camera for the Classroom
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.
Not too long ago, I bought a portable document camera to try out. I have to say…it’s so great!
I didn’t have anything like this when I was teaching, but I know that it’s very common for classrooms to have something similar. A lot of document cameras work with your laptop and projector so you can share pictures, books, science demonstrations, or whatever else with your students!
Here’s how it works:
- Connect the document camera to your computer or projector. The HUE HD Pro Document camera made that a breeze! I simply plugged it into the USB port on my computer and it was ready to go. I didn’t even have to download any software to my computer.
- Since I use a Mac, I opened up QuickTime to use the camera. Windows Camera would also work.
- Then I just placed an item underneath the camera and a larger version appeared on my laptop. If I was in the classroom, I would hook this up to the projector so a bigger picture would be shown to students.
The point of this camera is to show close-ups to students. I’m sure you all know that feeling when you’re trying to show the whole class something, but not everyone can see. This solves that problem!
Ideas for the Classroom
- Show science demonstrations
- To show students words or pictures in a book
- Explain math problems with manipulatives
- Show & Tell items
- Demonstrate how to write alphabet letters or numbers
- Model how to do an activity
- Show concepts of print from a book
- Display students’ work
You can also use this for virtual learning!
I love that this document camera allows you to take snapshots or even videos of what you’re demonstrating under the camera. The neck is adjustable so you can position it however you’d like.
Here are some other features of this camera:
- built-in microphone
- auto-focus
- manual zoom
- can be used for video chat
This is really a cool addition to any classroom!
How would you use a document camera in the classroom?
This looks useful!
I would love this document camera for my spaced out kindergartners and to show art demonstrations. It would be amazing!
This would be great for experiments with my littles when they all want to be right on top of each other!
I think it would be cool to use this in the classroom to expand documentations and add a new element to small groups.
I would love a document camera to use in my class when doing whole class activities. It would make it easier for my students to see what we are doing, instead of having to walk to each table.
I would the opportunity to use this in my class! What a great product! Thank you for sharing:)
This would be so helpful for small groups on the smartboard!
thanks for everything you put out 🙂
I’d love for my daughter to have one. SHe’s a non-verbal autistic who attends virtual classes.
I would love to win a document camera to use with my students. It is hard for all of them to see at the same time.
I have seen other teachers use these but haven’t had the opportunity myself. I would love to give it a try!