DIGITAL CAMERAS IN THE CLASSROOM Julie Atkinson ITEC 7445 Sherri Booker July 15, 2013 Emerging Technology

DIGITAL CAMERAS IN THE CLASSROOM The purpose of using digital cameras in the classroom is to help students develop higher-order thinking skills in academics and technology, use creativity, and learn basic skills.

SUPPORTING THE VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN THOMAS COUNTY SCHOOLS The current SPLOST money is being used to update the technology in all Thomas County Schools. Digital cameras are current technological equipment. Therefore, using digital cameras in the classroom brings teaching strategies into the twenty-first century.

TARGET POPULATION Cross Creek Elementary currently houses third and fourth grade students. The digital cameras will be used with those students.

EQUIPMENT Digital cameras are needed for each classroom. Computers need to be available for downloading photographs. Photo editing programs will be utilized. A printer would be used to print photographs.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Technical support will be provided by our Technology Department in our school system. Manufacturers of popular digital cameras also provide technical support for their products.

LIMITATIONS All individual students will not be able to use cameras at one time. Students will need to work in pairs or groups, and the teacher will have to rotate groups for all students to have opportunities to use the cameras. Cameras can be very expensive. Some cultures and parents may not approve of photos being taken. Students may not want to be photographed.

COST Many digital cameras are available from $50 to $100, depending on make and model. Cameras can be purchased from department stores, such as Target or Walmart. Photo paper is available for just under $20 for 100 sheets, also at department stores.

COST CONTINUED The cost for an ink cartridge is $68 through the system warehouse. There will be no additional cost for the computers or printers, as teachers already have these in their classrooms.

FUNDING SOURCES The primary funding source will be SPLOST funds. Other funding may come from Title I funds. Another source of funding might be grant money. The website lists numerous links for grants for teachers, such as Digital Wish, Donors Choose, and others.

USE IN THE CLASSROOM Photographs bring authentic learning to the classroom when students take pictures representing themselves for an autobiography. Students relive experiences through the pictures they take. This encourages students to talk about the pictures with adults and peers. They can use them as a basis for writing and other activities which encourage higher-order thinking.

USE IN THE CLASSROOM CONTINUED Students work together to produce an illustrated walk through their school day to share with parents. Students walk through the school taking pictures of geometrical objects they are studying during math. Students take pictures of one another at the beginning and ending of the school year. They produce a writing comparing and contrasting their pictures.

USE IN THE CLASSROOM CONTINUED Digital photography can be used in scientific inquiry for documenting the steps involved in the process. Students with disabilities and ELL students can use photography for storytelling instead of writing.

USE IN THE CLASSROOM CONTINUED Students with disabilities and ELL students can join collaborative groups and be given meaningful tasks to do in the group. They feel more purpose and involved in their learning. Digital photographs, with parent permission, can be used on the class website to communicate what students are learning in the classroom.

RESEARCH Research supports students being more engaged when using digital cameras and other types of technology. Using digital cameras help children with special needs and ELL students become more focused participants in the classroom.

RESEARCH CONTINUED Due to students being able to see photographs immediately on a digital camera, students have an opportunity to learn from mistakes and correct them right away. Students begin to build experience instantly. Zarha stated teachers can even build positive relationships with students using digital cameras.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Teachers will not need professional development for digital camera use. Most cameras come with an automatic setting. Teachers may need to be made aware of the many ways digital cameras can enhance student learning, and be encouraged to used them.

REFLECTION I think using digital cameras in the classroom will enhance student learning. I plan to incorporate the use of digital cameras in my lesson plans during this next year. Many websites are available for helping teachers use digital cameras. A quick Google search brings a myriad of results.

WORKS CITED Block, D. (2011, Winter). No Photoshop? No Problem! Digital Photography Programs on a Budget. Young Adult Library Services. Retrieved from 85b8-fe03a72821aa%40sessionmgr4&hid=7 Greenhow, C., Robelia, B., & Hughes, J.E. (2009, May). Web 2.0 and Classroom Research: What Path Should We Take Now? American Educational Research Association. Retrieved from Murphy, K.L., DePasquale, R., & McNamara, E. (2003, November). Meaningful Connections Using Technology in Primary Classrooms. Young Children on the Web. Retrieved from Starr, L. (2004). Quick! Get the (Digital) Camera! Education World. Retrieved from Zahra, A. (2008, Fall). Limitless Images: Digital Photography in the Classroom. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin. Retrieved from bc-be0b-b57a905f6419%40sessionmgr15&hid=7