Journal 4

Campbell, L. (2012). If you give a kid a camera.. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(5), 30-33. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Summary:

Campbell makes the very likely assumption that if a student is given a personal mobile device, the result will be the student wanting to learn more about it. So long as the students are using these devices in the correct and appropriate way, they can be useful in an educational environment. Campbell proposes questions for the teacher to ask him or herself in order to avoid using technology for technology's sake. If a particular device will not enhance the student's learning, it is useless and should not be forced into the classroom. It is also important to keep an eye on the students to ensure that effective learning is taking place. The student and teacher would be able to bond over the review part of using a video camera by watching the video together, and then analyzing the performance. The author gives many ideas of how different subjects can thrive off the use of video cameras. She address language arts, math, science, social studies and active learning with in depth explanations and examples of how a teacher can use personal mobile devices within the classroom. Obviously, I was the most interested in how this activity could be used in an English class, and I like the idea of using it for language.

Question 1: How could I use video cameras to help English language learners?
Campbell provides the example of using video cameras for pen pals, but it could also be a wonderful help to English language learners, whose families speak only Spanish. When a student does not have a person who speaks English at home, the student is only hearing English for half of the day, while at school. With a video camera, the teacher could record a video for the student to watch to guide him or her through homework. I could also have the child record a video of him or herself reading in English, and then giving a summary of what what retained from the reading. The student and I (as the teacher) could then watch and assess the video together.

Question 2: At what grade level could video cameras be implemented in the classroom?

I think the use of video cameras may be my favorite idea to integrate technology and the classroom, and could be used to enhance learning at any age or grade level.