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.