Journal #4: If You Give a Kid a Video Camera

Campbell, L. (2012). If You Give a Kid a Video Camera. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(5),  30-33. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx.


In the article, "If You Give a Kid a Video Camera" discusses how a video camera can enhance a students learning. Video cameras are a innovated form of a class project. Instead of boring text, students can make a video on a research topic. In the article Campbell argues that visual learning is an effective way for students to understand material from varies subjects in school. For example, Campbell argues that a video camera used in a science experiment would enable a child to understand the different steps of the experiment. Another example Campbell uses in favor of a video camera is for students to video tape an interview of their grandparents as a way of capturing a primary source. Overall, Campbell believes technology, in this case a video camera, is a new efficient way for students to discover the world around them.


1.) What is another lesson plan where students can use a video camera to enable learning?
Students could use a video camera to discover how various math theories can be used in everyday life. For example a student could capture the measurements and angles of a table to understand the importance in the building process. Another possible lesson plan for a student is for them to video tape the theories of motion by moving a skate board into an object. These project ideas are more enjoyable, and a student is more likely to understand material when they are having fun.  


2.) How can a teacher signify the importance of technology in the classroom when a school does not have the budget to supply technology? 
A teacher could show their administration how learning was improved in a certain subject. The educator must signify that testing is not the only way for a student to learn material. Students can learn from visual, hands on projects that will enhance knowledge. For example, a teacher can  teach the lesson without technology, give a test, and then teach the lesson with technology, and finish with a different test. The results should prove the change technology brought to the material.