Summary: Wow technology just gets even more useful with the times. Who would have thought the webcam could be used as an educational tool? The article I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom gives some great ideas and explanations of how webcams can help a lot of students and not just those at grade level status but those that may have a learning disability. According to the article there are many uses for the webcam for students K-12. The authors point out that one of the reasons this makes such a great tool is because students love to be able to see themselves; it is part of what they call “I can see me” principle. For example when it comes to the subject reading, if a child was struggling they would very easily learn how to use the webcam and read aloud in front of it. Once the student has finished he/she could go back and watch themselves. Students can observe their own error patterns, fix the errors, and then see new and improved performance over time. This really inspired me to want to learn how and see what other technology tools will be useful in the future classrooms.
Q1: Is this too complex for students where the teacher’s attention needs to be focused on helping with the use of the webcam?
A1: No, the webcam is very easy to use. Obviously for the first time students will need a run down of what to do and what not to do, but using a webcam is very easy and once get view themselves on the screen it is like an incentive to want to learn how to use the webcam on their own, without help to be independent.
Q2: Is this something that will cost a lot and take up a lot of time to set up in the classroom?
A2: Today there are such a big variety of webcams that are inexpensive and easy to install. To supply a classroom with webcams would not cost very much, but who should be putting a price on learning tools that will help students to be more successful? Installation is not rocket science so it will not take up much time; however, it is important for teachers to learn themselves about the newest technology so that they can help their students and not rely on only those teachers that know how.
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