How an Inexpensive Video Camera Can Enhance Your Teaching

If you have every thought about incorporating video into your teaching, there’s never been a better time. There are several low-priced video cameras available now, and if you shop sites like eBay or Craigslist, then you can find even better deals. There are many ways to use video in an instructional setting. You will find that with video, you can increase student engagement even more. Let’s look at a couple of the ways you could make use of an inexpensive video camera in your classroom.

First of all, you could use a video camera to record your classes. By creating a record of what was taught, including student discussion, you can provide learners with a valuable resource for reviewing the day’s lesson. It is also the perfect tool for helping students who were absent get caught up. Recording a class is also an excellent way for you to critique your own teaching. Was your teaching clear? Were transitions smooth? Did students stay motivated and engaged? You might be surprised at things you see on tape that you might have missed while teaching.

Another innovative way to use a budget video camera in your classroom is to fill in for yourself during an absence. Sometimes you have no idea when you will be away from the class. However, there are some absences you know about in advance. Rather than simply have a substitute baby-sit the class or watch while they do some kind of worksheet, you could videotape yourself teaching the lesson and assigning work. Provide the recording to the substitute to play on the day you are out. Instead of losing a day, you can continue as planned and stay on schedule with the curriculum.

Finally, if you have purchased a low-priced camera for use in the classroom, then you can feel good about letting the students use the camera to make their own video projects. Your students will probably surprise you with their creativity if you hand them a camera and tell them to create a video about the lesson. Not only will they learn more, the other students will love watching whatever they create.