Digital Cameras in the Classroom

Digital cameras within the curriculum provide younger students, who may not be able to express themselves effectively with words, the ability to share their unique outlook of the world. Digital cameras are a great way to provide all students a visual medium for self-expression, observational skills, practicing computer skills and developing an understanding of perspective. One innovative idea for the use of digital cameras in the classroom is making alphabet photo album books by assigning each student a letter of the alphabet and sending them on a scavenger hunt to take pictures of items that begin with that letter. Student portraits can be taken and pictures of their favorite things can be added in computer programs, the pictures can then be saved together to create a slide show for back to school night, etc. Digital photos can be supplemented to the list of do's and dont's to be hung in a classroom. Digital cameras can be used successfully in all subjects and for any lesson. We live in an extremely visual society, and children are no exception. Visuals add meaning to concepts that sometimes can be very abstract.

iPods in the classroom

The iPod's portability and digital content storage capability make it a great innovative educational tool. The iPod allows for anytime, anywhere access to speeches, audiobooks and lectures. The iPod and iTunes delivers lessons that connect music, art and literature, as well as math modeling virtually into students hands. It's portability also means that students can bring work home to share with their families. iPods and iTunes deliver differentiated curriculum to students at teachable moments at different times and locations. It allows enhanced audio communication, increased learning control over content and the ability for the learner to multi-task. Many teachers use the iPod to teach students learn foreign languages, become better readers, provide visual reinforcement of mathematics and science concepts and support the diverse needs of today's learners.