Digital Photography

Digital cameras have advanced the art of photography and made it simpler (and cheaper) than ever to take, edit, and reproduce pictures. So why not take advantage of such a marvelous tool in the classroom? The answer is that teachers SHOULD be open to using digital photography in their classrooms.

The possibilities for classroom use of digital cameras are seemingly endless. The article "100 Uses for Digital Cameras" lists a lot of really good ideas. These suggestions include uses for teachers (i.e. using photos for seating charts and to create "my turn cards") as well as for students (i.e. using photos to create an ABC book, to prompt creative writing, and to illustrate stories). Teachers can add their own ideas to this list--ideas that suite their unique situation.

So you can incorporate digital photography into the classroom, but what are the advantages of doing such? I agree with the following eight advantages suggested in the "Digital Snapshot" article:
1) Opportunities to involve ALL children
2) Caters to students' interests, strengths, and talents
3) Opportunities for parental involvement
4) Provides documentation
5) Develops pre-writing skills
6) Children use artistic sensibilities
7) Higher computer literacy skills
8) Student satisfaction

But no teaching method is without its challenges. The same article outlines problems these teachers encountered in their classroom including the location & supervision of the computers, reaching & supporting the reticent learners, and ensuring equitable use by all children.

Other challenges include the equipment itself. The "Top 10 Tips" article suggest ten tips that make using digital camers less of a hassle. They include:
1) Using a camera suited for your needs
2) Using a high-resolution file format
3) Having extra, charged batteries
4) Having enough memory cards
5) Turning off the camera before removing the memory card
6) Learning the camera's timing
7) Using the "continuous" mode for fast-action shots
8) Creating a digital workflow
-take picture
-transfer & organize photos
-edit photos
-print & share photos
9) "Fixing" photos isn't always an option, so plan ahead when taking pictures
10) Always make copies of the photos

I think that these tips are useful for teachers, students, parents, and anyone wanting to use digital cameras. I've unfortunately experienced much anxiety as a result of NOT following these tips. I'd prefer to pass these along to my students and co-workers so that they do not have to learn through experience.

Digital cameras are wonderful tools, when you know how to use them properly. As a teacher, I can give my students the chance to gain that knowledge in my classroom.