Digital Cameras in the Classroom

I will admit, technology used to scare me. Especially computers. My dad was a teacher when I was growing up and I always loved to help him record grades in his HAND WRITTEN grade book. He even gave me my very own grade book so that I could play school, which I did, everyday! So, when it started to become popular to record grades on the computer, I was highly disappointed because I was not schooled in that area. Since I have been taking this computer class this semester I have broadened my horizons. I am now a huge advocate for anything that can help me to effectively educate my students and give them an understanding of where technology is taking us.

Digital cameras are a God-send for me. I LOVE THEM!! I mean, really! How did I ever allow someone to take a picture with me in it without approving it first? Boggles my mind ;)!! As I read through the 100 Ways to Use Digital Cameras in the Classroom (or something like that), I found some very good ideas. Choosing 5 to elaborate on is tough for me.

1. TAKE PHOTOS TO PROMPT CREATIVE WRITING
I think this is an excellent way to teach students to think outside the box and not write about the "norm." I think it gets pretty boring to hear about the same old thing from every student, so I believe it will really help to give them some better ideas.

2. TAKE PHOTOS OF BULLETIN BOARDS OR CLASSROOM IDEAS FROM OTHER TEACHERS.
I love learning from other people. And obviously, as in all career fields, there are those that have been doing it longer and thus have become successful. I would like to understand how they do things and with permission take photos of their classrooms to use for ideas in my own classroom.

3. TAKE PHOTOS OF STUDENTS AND PUT ON NAMETAG ON THEIR DESK SO THAT OTHER STUDENTS AND SUBSTITUTES WILL LEARN THEIR NAMES.
I like this idea too because I am a very visual person. It is the way that I learn myself so I would like to take that and use it so that it will help my classroom run a little bit more smoothly.

4. CREATE A "WELCOME TO OUR CLASSROOM" BOOK.
I think this is a cute idea to use in my classroom. It would be good for Open House night and also to have parents get involved or atleast know what goes on with their children while they are at school.

5. LAMINATE PHOTOS OF EACH STUDENT FOR VOTING, SELECTING PARTNERS, CHOOSING CENTERS, ETC...
I think that this idea is a great way to keep things fair when using a selection process. Students will be less likely to complain which will help the classroom to be more productive.

**Another idea that I got from my neice Madison's 1st grade teacher was very interesting. It was a Mother's Day presentation. Mrs. Lee, the teacher, put together a video of the daily in's and out's of the classroom for the mothers of her students. I thought it was a wonderful present and a fabulous idea.