Photography in the Classroom

What is the tool and how can it be used?



The tool that I chose is digital photography. I chose this topic because as students, we have had to use a digital camera for quite a few projects and I believe that it can be used in an early childhood classroom as well. When I did my practicum in a pre-K classroom, the teacher and parapro used a camera all the time to document different activities done by the children. I also believe that for upper elementary, it would be a great tool for the students to use. A geometry project would be a great use for a digital camera. The students could use it to take pictures of different shapes around the classroom or school. There are many uses for this tool in an early childhood classroom either by the teacher or the students!



What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?



Some Advantages are……

· Engaging for the students because they have been exposed to digital photography and cameras throughout their life.

· To take pictures of students for use in the classroom

· Take pictures of projects and activities for open house

· For the students to use during projects and activities

· Students will learn many different technology skills



Some Disadvantages are…….

· Teachers or schools may not be able to afford a digital camera

· Make sure the student’s parents have given permission or the teacher could possible get into trouble



Who is the audience for this tool?



This tool is will definitely benefit both the teacher and the student and in some ways maybe even the parents. I am sure the parents would love to see pictures of activities that their child is doing at school. These pictures could also be posted to a class website with permission from the parents.



Where can we learn more about this tool?



http://www.wacona.com/digicam/digicam.html

http://www.rockdale.k12.ga.us/personal/mholbrook/dig_photos/default.aspx

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech148.shtml

http://www.misterteacher.com/digitalphotography/digitalcameras.html

http://www.slideshare.net/jenhegna/digital-photography-in-the-classroom-2008%20(video)



What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?



I think that this tool would be amazing to use in the classroom. There are so many exciting activities that the students could do with a digital camera and it would really be something fun for them to do. It also completely relates to their generation. It will bring the classroom up to a great critical thinking level. It is not like they will be just taking pictures of themselves and their friends all day, but the camera will really be put to good use. Also, for those students whose families cannot afford a camera, it will really give them experience with this tool for them to carry with them later on in life.



As a future teacher, I can really see many advantages from this stand point. I would love to have pictures of my class doing certain activities all over the classroom. It could really make the classroom feel more like home for the students as well. It will make them feel like they have a special purpose in the classroom. It is also great to document projects and activities to show my students in years to come.



As I hope to be a parent one day, I would love to see pictures of my child during their school day. This will really help give insight into what my child is doing all day long and what he/she is learning about. It would really make me feel like I am a part of their school day and would help me as a parent feel included in the classroom.

I believe it would be essential for every teacher to have a camera in the classroom. It would really benefit everyone!