Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning

Special Assignment - Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning

Part A

"Your students will have lived all their life in a world with smartphones containing cameras." This statement by Dr. Strange makes us all realize that our future students have grown up in a very different world than we did as children. Technology is now a dominating force for many Americans, particularly those in the college age group (18-24), as shown in a study by Zogby Analytics. I found myself agreeing with four of the six conditions. Either way, the conclusion in the same: Smartphones are now a part of everyday life.

Since technology and smartphones have such an large influence in this generation, we must find ways to integrate the use of these devices in the classroom. If jobs in technology-related fields continue to grow, we much make sure our students are prepared to enter into these careers. Teachers must make sure they are prepared to do just that. It is no longer practical to forbid smartphones from school campuses. Teachers must instead learn to use these devices as helpful tools in the classroom, including the camera.

Part B

Ways to Use Camera Smartphones and Camera Tablets in the Classroom

-Have students record their reading to better pronunciation and fluency

-Have students take pictures or items, experiments, or pictures shown to them

-Have students have a "FaceTime Pal" in another state or country

-Have students make iMovie trailers for a book or another subject topic

-Have students make iMovie presentations

-Have students create virtual family trees

-Have students record video diaries

-Have students make video reflections

-Have students create or act out a play or skit

-Have students make informercials about a subject

These are just the beginning of endless possibilities!