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=** Document Cameras **= =** In The Classroom **=

Introduction
The Document Camera, also known as a Digital Overhead or Docucam, is capable of taking 3D objects, 2D objects, or transparencies and papers and display them on a large screen for an audience. The camera displays images in real time with the ability to freeze the screen at any moment with just the click of a button. It is as if the camera is taking a video and the audience is watching it as it is being filmed. In addition to displaying images, one can write on the paper being displayed, manipulate 3D objects, or read a book while the audience watches the action. With major advances in technology, the clarity and resolution of document cameras has increased significantly. Some of the most common models include ELMO, Lumens, HoverCam, & SMART. There are many different types of document cameras, all with varying abilities. The types of document cameras can be divided into three main groups: portable, desktop, and ceiling mounted (Burks and Tate, 2013). Document cameras provide all the functionality of an overhead projector and so much more. They allow the user to display items spontaneously throughout a presentation which is both convenient and flexible (Wikipedia, 2013). The days of the overhead projector are over.

Definition
====A document camera is basically a camera elevated and attached to a stand, which points downward toward a flat display base (Document Camera Experts, 2008). Document cameras can be combined with a computer to take pictures, record audio, and record video. Also, it can be connected to a DLP/LCD projector through a computer or connected directly to a DLP/ LCD projector (Educational Technology Network, 2009). There are three basic groups that document cameras are divided into. Portable document cameras are lightweight and smaller in size. Desktop models are more stable, as they are larger in size and sturdier. Lastly, there are models that can be mounted to the ceiling, above a table or podium, to increase the projected area that can be seen. There are several additional features that are available when using a document camera rather than an overhead projector. Some of these features do require the use of software that comes with your document camera. In order to get the most out of a document camera, there are terms that you will want to be familiar with.====

**Resolution:** The amount of pixels in your image that will be displayed.
====**Pixel:** The word pixel is short for Picture Element; a pixel is a single point in a graphic image. An image is divided into millions of pixels. The pixels are so close together that they appear connected. The more pixels you have, the better the image.==== ====**Optical Zoom:** Optical zoom is true zoom. It allows you to zoom in or out on an object in the lens. This will enable you to get a closer view of the object. Optical zoom changes the magnification of the image. Optical zoom allows for better photo quality than digital zoom.==== ====**Digital Zoom:** Digital zoom on a document camera works the same as enlarging a photo in a graphics program. This type of zoom will result in a loss of quality and image resolution because the image is simply being enlarged without any extra pixels being added.==== ====**Images:** Most document cameras lets you snap and store images. Depending on the camera, you can store the images on the camera and/or your computer. This is a handy feature that eliminates the need for a scanner.==== ====**Video Recording:** Document cameras that allow video recording take AVI or MOV film clips. The amount and quality of the video you can record depends on the device. Some document cameras also support the recording of audio also.====

**Freeze:** By freezing the projected image, you can manipulative and change the image without the audience viewing your actions until you are ready.
====**Rotating Head:** The rotating head lets you move the head on the camera instead of rotating the actual object. This comes in handy with science experiments where you do not want to touch your displayed media as often.==== ====**Lamp:** Having an anti-glare lamp on your document camera will cut down on glare. Document cameras without the lamp, come with an anti-glare sheet that you can place on top of your object, usually print images, to help eliminate glare.==== ====**Remote Control:** A remote control is a “must have”. The ability to manipulative the camera from afar provides you much more flexibility. You will want to make sure your remote has all the basic features on it like freeze, focus, zoom in and out, and flip.====

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History
====Before the mid to late 1980’s, overhead projectors were an extremely popular type of visual presentation aid. As technology improved, the development of something better was on the minds of many. The increasing knowledge and research going into technology of video cameras during this time was a key factor in the development of document camera systems. The first document cameras were developed by two main companies, WolfVision and ELMO at the Photokina Trade Fair in 1988 (Wikipedia, 2013). Document cameras were developed to meet an increased demand for the ability to project and present original documents, plans, drawings and objects directly to a larger audience. The first attempts and prototypes were mostly simple video cameras on a copy stand, but have greatly evolved from there. Today, the document camera can be synchronized with video conferencing equipment to make presentations even more convenient. Technology used in photographic equipment contributes greatly to improve these high quality presentation tools for businesses and classrooms around the world.====

Issues
====Document camera use in classrooms has been somewhat slow to catch on for several reasons. Some teachers have used overhead projectors throughout their entire teaching career, and may be hesitant to implement the use of new technologies in their instructional methods. There are teachers that admit they believe a document camera is only a glorified overhead projector (TeachingHistory, 2013). Budget cuts are an issue that many schools are faced with, and for this reason many teachers may not be able to afford the cost of a document camera. However, it is possible to find a used document camera on websites such as eBay. There are also organizations, like DonorsChoose, that award grant money to teachers to purchase items such as document cameras for their classrooms (TeachingHistory, 2013). In the following section it is easy to see that the advantages of using a document camera far outweigh the disadvantages.====

Advantages
> > Examples (camcor.com)
 * Real time scanning allows instant sharing of class projects and assignments
 * Can display real 3-Dimensional objects, documents, or artwork.
 * Does not require a pitch black classroom
 * Compatible with scanners, projectors, computers, and many other technologies
 * Hands on learning as students can use the document camera creating a more dynamic and interactive classroom
 * Provides clarity in instruction for students
 * Zoom features allow close inspection of small print, extra accessories that can adapt the zoom to preform as a microscope
 * Do not need to make transparencies
 * Save money! Decrease copying expenses
 * Science Classes - students can see the teacher dissecting a frog that is displayed so that all of the class can easily see. Or, you can show the difference between beetles and butterflies in a unique, new way.
 * Geometry Classes - use your document camera to add a 3D twist to the complicated world of pyramids, cones and cylinders.
 * Geology Classes - teachers can show up-close and personal different types and textures of rocks.
 * Art Classes - Students can watch and see more clearly techniques on molding clay and making perfect brush strokes.

Disadvantages

 * Costly - Range from $200 to $2,000+ (new)
 * Maintenance and repair can be expensive
 * Restricted to smaller objects and documents. Hard to fit large objects in the viewing area of smaller models

Future Direction
====Document Cameras are receiving a boost to their capabilities and enhancing functionality with technology advances. Gaining the ability to capture audio and record video. The video capturing system can double as a web cam. Built in wireless connection to the Internet allows access to the cloud for saving documents and allows downloading of lesson plan and resources. Gaining the ability to save content to the cloud, SD card, or USB flash drive and 360-degree viewing capabilities. Some models are even ready to connect and communicate with SMART Boards, and SMART Tables. As technology advances the camera display zoom functions can increase to the degree to where they can serve as a microscope. This will allow a large group to examine objects in great detail, which would be perfect for science classrooms. Newer models are showing efficient space use making them more portable and compact for easy storage. The capabilities and display clarity have been limited to advances in technology and as technology increases so does the effectiveness of the Document Camera. Document Cameras may very well one day be capable of holographic imaging if technology allows for it.====

Conclusion
====Document Cameras are an incredible useful tool to use in the classroom, conference room, meetings, or gatherings. They are able to display in real time and magnify images for a large group to examine the same object at the same time. As with any major purchase, consider the size of your audience and your needs for displaying documents or objects before you make a purchase. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the different models and decide which one suits your needs. With a range of prices available, you have the freedom to pick within your budget. Overhead projectors served a good purpose for many years in many classrooms. However, technological advances are continuously improving tools that are extremely beneficial for teaching. The document camera is a prime example of this, and whenever possible should be utilized in the classroom.====

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Advanced Presentation Projects. (2008). What is a Document Camera Used For?. In Document Camera Experts. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.documentcameraexperts.com/learn_about_document_cameras.aspx======

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Burks, B. K., & Tate, M. (n.d.). Ditch that Overhead Projector for a Document Camera. In Chairiho. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/sites/default/files/ditch_that_overhead_projector.pdf======

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Professional Media Group. (2013). Document Cameras Convert Anything Into Digital Content. In District Administration. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.districtadministration.com/article/document-cameras-convert-anything-digital-content======