To use a visualizer/document camera to display and share the information to the whole class

Using a visualizer or document camera in the classroom

                  

•  A visualizer (sometimes called a document camera) lets a teacher display something small to a whole class via a PC and projector.                                                                                    
•   This means that a teacher can demonstrate to a whole class something which would be difficult to show to a whole class without the whole class gathered round a table vying for space to see the demonstration.                                                                                                       
•   A visualizer provides a means to take a piece of work from a pupil and immediately show it to a whole class, perhaps highlighting particular features or small details of the work.                                                                                                                                                           
•   In addition to simply creating an enlarged view of any object, visualizer software also enables a teacher to take snapshot pictures of whatever features may wish to be highlighted for later viewing or sharing elsewhere.                                                                               
•  Video recordings of the activity or process involved in creating or changing a piece of work can also be made for replaying as required.  These videos can be replayed via the PC or on interactive whiteboard or embedded on a website or blog.

•      The TTS Easy-View visualizer combines an ease of use with a price within reach of primary schools (around £88 at time of posting).  It can be used with an interactive whiteboard, you can view documents (pupil work or books), share work with the rest of the class, and pupils can use it to let the whole class see small objects brought in for show-and-tell activities.                                                                                                                            
•       When combined with a laptop and projector at whole-school assemblies it can be used to ensure everyone can see details of small objects.  The picture snapshot or video recording tool provides a means to create portfolios for evidence of learning.  When combined with stop-motion animation software (such as SAM Animation software) it can be used to create stop frame animations.                                                                                                            
•     Note that less expensive visualizers like this have poorer resolution and refresh rate than more expensive models, meaning that images will be less crisp, and movement of objects will be slightly blurred in comparison to more expensive visualizers.                                         
•  It would always be wise to think about the purpose to which the tool will be put and comparison made to ensure the chosen device will meet the need

Specifications:

Bendy gooseneck, 5 x optical zoom, 1.3MP digital images/snapshot, Video capture, Built-in light/brightness control, USB direct plug (to PC then view on whiteboard).  It also has an audio connection via standard 3.5mm headphone connection so recordings can include sound.

For a visualiser  producing a higher quality image, which would work well in a classroom situation, you may also wish to consider the Elmo MO-1 . 

The video below gives a demonstration of this visualiser.

Features of the Elmo – MO-1 include:
Ability to record full motion video in 30fps with audio
Portable –Weighs only 550g and Folds flat
Output resolutions –1080i, WXGA, 720p and analogue RGB output
Flexible viewing options – Can rotate each image in 90 degree increments
Built in microphone
8 x digital zoom

The video below shows how a visualizer can be used to aid Formative Assessment in the classroom (the principles apply to the use of any visualizer but shows the use of an A version visualizer):

Click on the link below for a video from Teachers.TV about the benefits of using a visualiser with primary pupils, along with useful tips and resources:

http://www.teachers.tv/videos/better-learning-with-ict-visualisers

Click on the link below for one teacher’s view of the use of a visualizer in a classroom (this mentions both SMART and Aver media visualizers but the views are applicable to other visualizers):

http://www.avermedia-europe.com/uk/news/visualisers-a-teachers-view.aspx