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Document Cameras & Projectors: Cool Use #17 “Compare and Contrast”

Smarty — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:22:42 +0000

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ————————————————————–

CONTENT AREA: ANY

GRADE LEVELS: ANY

Learning to compare and contrast requires high-level cognitive analysis. Comparing

and contrasting is a skill used in many different disciplines at all levels of education. Using an

document camera can help students practice using different graphic organizers

collaboratively before being asked to use them independently.

MATERIALS

- Document camera

- Projector

- Whiteboard or large sheet of paper that students can write on

- A drawing of a graphic organizer used for comparing and contrasting, such as a Venn

diagram, double bubble map, or a T-chart

PROCEDURE

BEFORE

1. Decide the compare and contrast topic to assign students.

2. Prepare a drawing of the graphic organizer to be practiced, such as a Venn diagram.

DURING

3. Project the compare and contrast diagram using the document camera.

4. Call students to the board to complete different areas of the compare and contrast

diagram.

5. Discuss notes as a class, changing and adding as necessary.

6. Have all students copy the collaboratively designed notes.

AFTER

7. After creating notes together as a class, assign an independent project such as an essay

that discusses the topic in depth.

8. Choose a different compare/contrast method of organization to demonstrate to

students each day for several days.

ADAPTATIONS

- Assign a compare and contrast topic and a method of organization. Allow students to

work collaboratively or independently to complete the notes. To review the topic and

check for accuracy, choose student products to project with a document

camera.

- Allow students to choose how they will organize notes for a graphic organizer. After

students have completed their notes, show the class different ideas by projecting

student samples using a document camera.

Document Cameras & Projectors: Cool Use #6 “TimeLine”

Smarty — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:28:59 +0000

TIMELINE ————————————————————————

CONTENT AREA: HISTORY

GRADE LEVELS: MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL

A knowledge of chronological order of events is essential for students when

discussing complex causes and events in history. A document camera can provide an

excellent way to interactively practice timelines.

MATERIALS

- Document camera

- Projector

- Drawing of a timeline of the target era with no events listed

- Whiteboard or large sheet of paper that students can write on

PROCEDURE

BEFORE

1. Draw a timeline with numbers of the target era. Do not include events on the timeline.

History Timeline without the Events

DURING

2. Using a document camera, project the image of the timeline on a surface that students can write on.

3. Assign students in groups to sections of the timeline.

4. Assign groups to find at least five significant events that occurred during the section

of the timeline that has been assigned to them.

5. Have group members come to the board to add their findings to the timeline.

6. As a class, check for accuracy and discuss significance of each event.

AFTER

7. Provide students with a similar blank time line to complete individually as homework or a quiz.

History Timeline for Students to Complete & Discuss

ADAPTATIONS

- As a review activity, allow students to consult notes, textbooks, and other resources.

- To increase the difficulty level, prepare a timeline that has time marked in even

intervals, but does not mark specific dates. Have students work in groups to identify significant dates as well as events to the timeline.

- This activity can also be used to review literature by placing events in a story in

chronological order.

Professional L.A. Media company can help Promote your School

Smarty — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:57:56 +0000

I found a unique video production firm in Los Angeles that caters to education clients with an excellent mix of heart & professionalism at a very reasonable cost.

LA’s Ballantine Media Arts has years of experience capturing school productions, events and editing promotional vignettes. Founder Steve Ballantine offers an education-focused, professional media capture experience for school administrators.

“The overall purpose of Ballantine Media Arts is to contribute to the greater good.” says owner Steve Ballantine.

While that doesn’t mean that Steve’s company is free, they are inexpensive because they focus on the education market, have low overhead and love what they do. Especially considering the professional quality sound, multiple cameras, editing and production elements that the company brings to educators, including having finished DVDs available for the school to sell or promote as they see fit.

INTERNET
In this changing environment for Charter Schools, Magnet Schools and School Choice reforms, it may pay to have a professional video presence on the internet; including YouTube or other easy-to-find sites showing the unique character of your school or department. A little bit of search engine presence can help potential student families find the uniqueness you offer, not to mention motivated investors or foundations.

ARTS PROGRAMS
It is difficult to capture live productions, especially when those moments of magic happen. For arts schools, it seems critical to promote the combined talents of the students, faculty in a media-savvy way. Having a dedicated professional on the job can help.

Ballantine Media Arts is available at
http://www.bmediaarts.com/

CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – Paradise Found

Smarty — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:31:19 +0000

CUELA TechFair 2009 Los Angeles

Join us for Computer Using Educators-Los Angeles Tech Fair 2009 this Saturday.
I’ll be presenting a comprehensive “New Technologies” session as well as a “Tech Answer Man” session.

CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – Paradise Found
Saturday, November 14, 2009 , 8:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Mulholland Middle School, San Fernando Valley

More Information Here