Digital imagery in the classroom

I have been searching through sites looking for the uses of digital imagery. Some very useful sites include:


Using a digital camera in the classroom http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~toh/image/DigitalCameraUses.htm

Going digital in the classroom. Why should I use a digital camera?http://www.forsythcountyschools.org/its/sbeck/digital/goingdigital.htm

Digital camera uses http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/gadgets.html

1001 uses for a digital camera http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~ucfcasio/qvuses.htm

Using digital cameras in the classroom http://www.wacona.com/digicam/digicam.html

Digital camera projects http://drscavanaugh.org/digitalcamera/digital_camera_projects.htm


~MY OWN EXPERIENCE~

In my own teaching experience, I used my digital camera in Kindergarten on a regular basis. Some uses included:


-Personalizing visual art projects of my students such as snowmen bodies with child's face on the head or the child's face in the centre of a flower. The students loved to look at themselves and show off their work.


-To create class books that told a story using the students' pictures embedded in the bodies of fish or sunflowers. The students loved to take these books home and share them with their families.











-To create an easy to access class directory on the word wall with pictures and names listed.











-To label toy boxes and centres with names and pictures of contents/centres.


-To take pictures of science experiments, children at play, working at the math centre, baking, imagining at the house centre and dramatic play. These pictures were also used for student portfolios, Kindergarten open houses, parent-teacher interviews, and bulletin board displays.

-To videorecord simple plays and dance activities. These pictures also created a sense of belonging to the class and encouraged participation in some cases. The kids loved to organize shows for the camera!

-To introduce new vocabulary words. The pictures helped the students to 'read' the words.


-To examine facial expressions and non-verbal communication.


-To create simple Notebook and PowerPoint presentations.


~A CHANGE OF DIRECTION~

As I prepare for the change to Core French (Grades 4-8) and the Developmental Disabilities classes, I can use my camera for many of these uses and so much more. I intend to use digital images to introduced myself to my classes on the SMARTboard and have the students introduce themselves to me in this manner. The images will be a great scheduling tool for the DD students that thrive on structure and routine. Having a visual schedule and personalized pictures will be a great source of comfort and academic tool for greater success. Also, I would like to explore the use of digital imagery for use with Social Stories and Social Skills.


I am including examples of uses of digital images in my classroom. Photos of students have been edited due to confidentiality.