From transparent viewers to opaque viewers

The overhead transparency projector is being replaced with the digital image viewers or document camera. The new technology can be used the same way as the overhead projector, but without the transparency film, wet-erase marker, liquid and tissue to erase mistakes, and the need to sit directly in front of the projector screen. The document viewer can be used from anywhere in the room if you have a ceiling projector and computer. You can use regular pen and paper; and you can record the entire lesson, save it on the computer and share it with absent students, parents, or other colleagues. It is definitely an emerging technology within schools.

It meets the need of demonstrating or sharing information with students without having to sit in the student’s way of seeing the projected image. It also allows recording of the lesson using the visual of the camera and audio using the computers microphone or a microphone attached to the computer. The recording feature is handy when you need to share a lesson with students that were absent or if a parent needs some guidance when trying to help their son or daughter at home.

The only problem associated with this device is that it is electric and uses software on a computer when it is necessary to use most of its features. Computers can develop viruses or other complications that could affect the software. Electricity black outs or electrical wiring issues could cause problems with its use, as well. It can be attached directly to a projector without computer use, but then it functions much more like an overhead projector with the capabilities of showing all documents and artifacts without a transparency.

The document camera would be even better if it didn’t need a computer to access all of its capabilities.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document_camera