What are the benefits of having a video camera to use in the classroom?

Question

I teach first grade at a rural school in Alabama. I want to purchase a video camera so I can record experiments, plays, and learning that is taking place in the classroom. The recordings will then be transferred to the school website for the community to see or to a DVD for students and parents to enjoy. I have to write a GREAT proposal to get the camera. What are other benefits of having a video camera for classroom use? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can see the areas where the children need help.

You can also critique yourself.

Sounds like a good idea.

Answer 2

This is great for both you and the students. When recording students' plays, upon review the students will be able to monitor their fluency/expression/prosody and then improve it. Repeated performances and viewings will show growth.

Invite local community officials and leaders in to speak to the children and record it. Use this as a model for students to develop a short minute speech about a topic. Record it. Show it back to them. The possibilities are endless.

For science simply tape different environments and have students make observations, compare/ contrast.

Here are a couple of links:

http://content.scholastic.com/browse/art...

http://www.woodworkingteachers.com/Defau...

As you know already, this benefits you as well. Although all teachers have built in with-it-ness, things still go unnoticed. You will be able to assess students long after the moment has already played out. Also, you will improve by critiquing yourself and delivery to your students.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

This is an excellent idea. But first - before you start filming, check with your school board's policy for filming and photograhy of students in the classroom.  Here in Nashville, parents must sign a release form in order for pictures to be taken or any filming of any kind being made of their children.  Sounds off the rack - but can save you future troubles with the law and courts.   Just a word of advice.