Lisa DickSo you have a slight crush on your neighbors Elmo? You aren’t sure if it is true love or just wanting something you don’t have….but have you actually checked out ALL the options out there? LOL
So many times we focus on wanting a particular item for our class but only focus on what we have actually seen in fellow teachers classrooms. Let’s take a look at the Elmo. First it has an adorable name:) You have probably heard of and seen several in well funded districts and even possibly down the hall. But what is it about USING the Elmo you like? Unfortunately many teachers are only using it similar to a “new style” overhead projector! There are so many possibilities for using a document cam in your classroom. If you haven’t looked at the Elmo brand projectors lately, you may be surprised to find out that they even offer one as low as $339.
Is that still too steep? Remember that an Elmo is a document cam and there could be others out there to do exactly what you want for your classroom. First think about how you will be incorporating it so you know if the other options will work. For example, do you need to be able to record or take pictures of what is being displayed?
One of my favorite companies I found through one of my favorite geeks, Leslie Fisher, is IPEVO. IPEVO is a company that focuses on providing classroom technology for less. The least expensive document cam they have is a basic point and shot model for only $69..yes, you read that right $69 bucks! Their most expensive model iZiggi (see other companies have cute names;) is only $159.
Ok, there is a chance that you already spent your teacher supply fund and are over your personal budget for classroom supplies for this month. There are actually some FREE options. IPEVO has a free app you can use on your iphone to turn it into a document cam to use with or without their convenient stand. Make your own stand or stack of books, install the app, and walla:)
YES, there are even more options…
- Use you phone as a streaming device
- Integrate Ustream Align (free apple and android)
- Become a #periscopeteacher
- Build your own
- Build including a lamp
- Recycle an overhead projector
- Use other phone apps
Of course most computers come with a web cam and you can even use that!
Hopefully you are super excited to get started with a document cam in your classroom today using one of the options mentioned ranging from FREE to $339! So head on over to Pinterest and find out what all you can do with it in your classroom this year:)
what is your favorite way to incorporate a document cam in your classroom?
