Built-in or External Webcams

 

          Nowadays, most laptops come with a built-in or integrated webcam.  According to Merriam-Webster, a webcam is “a camera used in transmitting live images over the World Wide Web” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).  Depending on how you are planning on using a webcam, experts debate about the quality of one built-into your computer versus one that can be bought separately and plugged into your computer through the USB port.  Either way, both pieces of equipment can be used in teaching and learning for K-12 school environments. 

          The TIM, Technology Integration Matrix was “designed for use by educational leaders to evaluate the way in which teaching staff integrate technology into their lessons and assists with the selection of tailored professional development for staff” (Welsh, Harmes, & Winkelman, 2011, p. 69 as cited in Thompson, 2022, p. 7).  “TIM presents both a context for shaping teaching planning while emphasizing the pedagogy in which technology is implemented” (Welsh et. Al., 2011, p. 69 as cited in Thompson, 2022, p. 7).  “TIM provides a foundation for educators to design lessons that are student focused, reflective of appropriate pedagogical strategies, and supported meaningfully by the integration of technology” (Bonfiglio-Pavish, 2018, p. 1 as cited in Thompson, 2022, p. 7). 

          Webcams can be used in different ways and for different purposes in a K-12 school environment.  They can be used by teachers to record lessons or directions for activities to be completed in their absences or just as a way for students to refer back to when such information or directions need to be repeated.  Webcams can be used to aid in providing students with an authentic experience even if they aren’t present for the event.  I am currently using a webcam in the library of my primary school to livestream the lifecycle of chicks and the process of observing the eggs as they hatch.  An agent from our local Clemson Extension Agency brought the supplies I needed this week to the library (incubator, fertilized eggs, feed, heat lamp, etc.).  While this used to be a second-grade science standard, since the standards have changed this year, we didn’t want them to be left out of such an amazing experience.  Since it will be housed in the library, I don’t want anyone in the school to miss out on this opportunity.  When students come to library for special area, they will get to learn about the process firsthand, but I want them to be able to have access to it from their classrooms as well since they only visit the library once a week.  This way their teacher or students themselves can check in on our process at any point during the project.  Webcams can also be used by students to document their learning as well.  Various school-used platforms such as Seesaw, use the webcam on a student’s computer to record themselves explaining work, reading aloud, etc. and allow them to post it for the teacher to view anytime.  No matter how they are used, webcams can positively integrate technology into any lesson in a school environment. 

          Still pondering how to get the best use of a webcam in your classroom?  Take a look at the following links/resources:

·       Recommendations for Webcam Use in the Classroom from Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning-

https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/recommendations-for-webcam-use-in-the-classroom.shtml

 

·       10 Ways to Use Webcams from TechnoKids

https://blog.technokids.com/digital-citizenship/10-ways-use-webcams-classroom/

 

·       Web Cams Bring Lessons to Life from Education world

https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech100.shtml

 

References

Merriam-Webster (n.d.).  Webcam. In Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/webcam

 

Thompson, K. (2022, July 28).  Critical reviews of selected technology 

    integration models.  Teaching in a fishbowl.      

    https://fishbowlteaching.com/2022/07/critical-reviews-of-selected-

    technology-integration-models/