Digital Cameras. Help Sheet:

Transcription

1 Digital Cameras Katie Guidry & Abby Freeman This semester we have learned about the integration of technology in the classroom and the importance of putting the technology in the hands of the students. We have also learned that visuals and hands-on experiences often help to engage students and once students are engaged, they are much likely to learn. Because of this, when the appropriate occasion arises, digital cameras can certainly be used in the classroom to enhance student learning. In class, we learned a few ways that digital cameras can enhance involvement in the classroom. Through our research, we have discovered wonderful examples of how to make use of this tool, in order to get students to actively participate in their learning. We enjoyed the two lesson plans we have showcased and we have provided a list of resources that speak to both the value and concerns of using digital cameras in the classroom. Furthermore, we have created a help sheet using both digital photos and screen shots to illustrate the basic functions of the Canon PowerShot A520 digital camera. We chose to use this camera because it operates in much the same way as other common compact digital cameras. We have also provided a list of helpful tips for teachers to consider when using digital cameras with students. Ultimately, we feel students will be engaged by the incorporation of digital cameras in appropriate lesson plans and assignments. Help Sheet: Before Use: 1. Insert batteries if necessary.

2 2. Insert the memory card (the label should face up). Katie Guidry & Abby Freeman Shooting Pictures: 1. Turn the camera on. 2. Turn the mode switch to AUTO.

3 3. Aim the camera at the subject and use the zoom buttons as desired. 4. To focus, press the shutter button halfway. 5. To take the picture, press the shutter button down completely. Viewing Previous Pictures: 1. Slide the mode switch down from the camera icon to the playback icon.

4 2. Use the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through your pictures. Deleting Images: 1. While viewing the images, scroll to the desired picture and press the delete button (trash can icon). Preparing Computer to Download Images: 1. Make sure the computer is compatible with the camera s requirements and the appropriate software has been installed.

5 2. Connect the camera to the computer. a. Use the cord that was provided and connect it to the camera. b. Place the other end of the cord in the USB port of the computer. c. Change the camera mode to the playback icon.

6 d. Turn the camera on. Katie Guidry & Abby Freeman Downloading Images to a Computer: 1. Once the camera has been connected to the computer and turned on, the download process should begin when the CameraWindow box appears on the computer screen.

7 2. Download images by clicking the icon beside Start to download images. The Save File box will appear. 3. The images will be saved under My Pictures and the ZoomBrowser EX program will open.

8 4. To scroll through your pictures, click the Preview Mode tab. Lesson Plan Examples: 1. Lesson Plans: Digital Photography and History This lesson plan was written for high school seniors, but we feel that it could easily be adapted for us in middle school history. In this lesson, groups of students choose a historical event and find a picture of that event on the Internet. Once they have found a picture, they figure out an appropriate pose for them if they had been present in that historical picture. The students then use digital cameras to photograph each other in their poses. Once the images have been downloaded on the computer, students use photo editing to place themselves in the historical image. After that, the students complete an essay about the pictured historical event and the role they could have played in the event. Source: Pidhirny, J. (2001, June 28). Digital Photography and History. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Teacehers.net: 2. Digitizing Local History This lesson allows students to create a virtual tour of their field trip to Monticello. Prior to their field trip, the students are assigned different aspects of Monticello, which they need to research. During the field trip, each student uses digital cameras to capture images for what they research. After the students return to school, the class completes a virtual tour of Monticello by presenting their research with descriptions of the images

9 they took. Finally, the students create an advertisement for Monticello as an assessment. This lesson could easily be adapted for other field trips to historic venues. Source: Mason, C. Digitzing Local History. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from the Center for Technology and Teacher Education, University of Virginia website: Resources: Help Sheet Resources: Canon, Inc. (2004). PowerShot A520/A510 Camera Usher Guide. Malaysia Canon, Inc. (2004). PowerShot A520/A510 Quick Start Guide. Malaysia Canon, Inc. (2008). PowerShot SD1100 Camera Usher Guide. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Canon U.S.A., Inc.: 145&modelid=16347#DownloadDetailAct Eastman Kodak Company. (2008). Camera Basics. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Kodak: Nikon Corporation. (2008). Coolpix S550 Usher s Manual. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Nikon USA: Sony Electronics Inc. (2008). Cyber-Shot DSC-S500 Handbook. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Sony Electronics Inc.: Annotated List of the Value and Concerns of Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom: Christensen, S. (2005). Technology in the Classroom: Digital Photography. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Burlington Area School District: This website provides information from the Burlington Area School District s project of providing their teachers with digital cameras. It includes lesson plan ideas for all subjects in all grade levels as well as a links to digital photo resources.

10 Duncan, D. (2005). Using a Digital Camera in the Classroom. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from the University of Maryland: This website provides ideas for implementation of digital cameras in the classroom. It gives a list of simple ways that teachers can use digital cameras to improve their classrooms. There are also suggestions for teachers in various subjects, grade levels, as well as special education. Miller, L. (2003). Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Wacona Elementary School: This resource was created by the Technology Instructor at Wacona Elementary School in Georgia. It includes why teachers should use digital cameras and what they should be concerned about. It also discusses how to get started and lesson ideas, and provides links to other resources. Moulton, J. (2006, April 19). Digital Camera: Inside the Classroom and Out. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Edutopia: This article discusses the value of using digital cameras both inside the classroom and beyond. Included in the article are some ideas of how to begin using digital cameras as well as how to use images to enhance the student experiences in the classroom. Starr, L. (2006). Smile! Digital Cameras Can Make Your Day. Retrieved December 11, 2008 from Education World: This article discusses how the use of digital cameras in the classroom can enhance student learning. It quotes real classroom teachers and provides a few tips for teachers to consider when using digital cameras. Tips for Teachers: 1. Determine the guidelines of the use of digital cameras with students. 2. Discuss responsible use of digital cameras with students, including taking appropriate pictures. 3. Discuss internet safety regarding posting pictures online with students. 4. Allow time during class for students to download pictures. 5. Know how to use the camera yourself before introducing it to the students. 6. Prepare ahead of time (i.e. check out any cameras from the media center the day before and collect any camera accessories needed, such as the USB cable).