Flip Camera by JReid

What is the tool?

The flip camera is an easy-to-use camera which holds 8GBs of memory. It is an inexpensive option which has a convenient USB flip out arm that plugs in to your computer.

How can it be used?

The flip camera can be used in the classroom by students creating videos to post on the class blog or wikispace. Because it is inexpensive, the teacher can allow the students to check-out the camera for a limited time in order to film their projects. The teacher could also film instructions for a particular project (such as how to create a glog) and publish the video to the class blog or wikispace so the students could access the instructional video when needed.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of this tool?

The advantages are its easy-to-use functions and lower-than-other camcorder price.

The disadvantages are its small size, which could make it easy to lose, as well as the probability of only having one camera in the classroom, which would make the assignment last longer since more students will have to wait their turn to utilize the camera.

What is the audience for this tool?

The audience for this tool is the students themselves. The students will be able to view their videos as well as any video made by the teacher. The students will be able to view the videos on their home computer, in the library (either public or school), or in the classroom itself, wherever internet access is available.

Where can we learn more about this tool?

Link to the Flip Camera website.

Link to ideas on how to use the flip camera in your classroom.

What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?

I believe this tool would be an invaluable addition to any classroom but especially to an eighth grade or a high school classroom. I would love to use this tool when teaching eighth grade classrooms about oral history. The students could use the cameras to create an oral history report on a grandparent. I believe this tool could be used creatively in the classroom.