· Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.
A current technology that has emerged in the last few years that has shaped learning in education is the Elmo. The Elmo also known as a visualizer/document camera replaced the overhead projector.
· What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?
1. One disadvantage to the document camera is the cost to purchase them. Currently, the document cameras cost around $400 to purchase which is approximately $200 more than an overhead projector (Frisk,2008).
2. The maintenance of the document camera can also be costly.
3. It is not a stand alone piece of equipment. It requires connection to a computer or television monitor.
4. I feel there are limited hands-on interaction with the Elmo. Yes, the document camera is used to project images but what’s next. At most, the students can go to the screen and point but the hands-on interaction stops there.
What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?
The main societal need that has been met by the document camera is that it eliminates the need for copying because images and text can be projected directly from its source. Some benefits to the Elmo projector are:
1. The document camera provides visual stimulation in color or black and white or even living objects.
2. It has the ability to enlarge objects or text.
3. It is a portable tool.
4. It is light weight and does not have a bulky body.
5. Set up is very minimal.
What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?
One thing that makes the document camera better than the Overhead projector is the document camera eliminated the need to have transparencies to display information. Again, the document camera whatever is put on its base. In my opinion, one thing that would make this technology better is ability of the user to be able to step in front of the images being projected on the screen and not block the light / the image.
Reference:
Frisk, J. (2008). The Document Camera: Advancing Classroom Visual Technology. Tech and Learning. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/the-document-camera-advancing-classroom-visual-technology/45399
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI have used the Elmo and find there is one more issue with this technology. In certain instances the ability to track or write on documents is limited. If for example a teacher wants to highlight a passage unless you want to actually write on the book, there is no temporary ink solution which will not damage the book. One of the advantages to the Elmo is the demonstrative ability for mathematics. One demonstrating how to solve linear functions the Elmo allow the students to see how to solve the problem by following the teacher through the process. Maybe we should invent temporary ink.
Thank you,
Bradley
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteGlad I read Bradley’s response first as I was going to make the very same comment about its limited ability for interaction. One thing I see the ELMO being of good use in our classrooms is in science demonstrations (depending on the demonstration). ELMO does eliminate, most of the time, the problem of having 20 students crowded around the desk to see what the teacher is demonstrating. However, we have ONE ELMO in our school and because of its limited capabilities; it is rarely used by teachers. There is one who has adapted to using it but still holds onto a standard overhead projector for the “interactive” parts.
-Christine
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI have no experience with this piece of technology. I know that it exists and have heard of teachers using it, but I know that their use has been limited. It seems that you are spot on when you say that it has limited interaction for users other than looking at the items being projected. Thanks for sharing, good post.
Hi LaTonya!
ReplyDeleteI had an ELMO in my classroom once, but gave it up this past year. One of my issues with it is that you're pretty much locked into one area of the classroom if you want to use it. In my case, the LCD projector was connected to the wall next to my desk. In order for me to use the device, I had to plop down in a chair next to the ELMO and use it.
A feature that would solve my concern would be making the device wireless. Imagine taking it around the classroom, instead of having to move everyone to it in order to use it. A device that is beginning to take this form is the Mimio pads. You're only able to write on them now, but maybe a camera/document camera that is portable is in the works.
Ray
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI haven't had experience with this technology but it sounds like the limitations out weigh the benefits. It is an interesting concept that when initially designed was seen as a step up from the overhead projector.
Tabitha