Canon's LV-X1 Projector & DZ-3600U Visualizer

Many people think of a calculator or computer when they hear the term "technology in the classroom." But, there is more to technology than just the calculator and computer as a math tool. Last year I piloted the use of the Canon DZ-3600U digital document camera connected with the Canon LV-X1 projector to take my class to the next level of learning.

One of the first adaptations was to take pictures of the written notes on the overhead projector with the digital camera, then download them to a public folder online for access by the students on a daily basis. Thus, it has freed the students from having to take their own comprehensive notes, which allows them to really listen to the lecture and be part of the discussion. Now, when I ask the students a question, they are looking up, not diligently copying what was said three steps ago. Instead of focusing on what is being written as the only medium for learning, the students are able to listen and process the material in a different way - knowing that the entire set of notes will be online within the hour.

Another major change in teaching style is the ability to place text (or another item) under the document camera. This lets teachers focus on a proof, the steps of a problem or a graph, as well as point out key words or phrases in the reading. This also speeds up the lecture, allowing more time for processing and questions since I no longer have to write out every step, but can now simply point out the key parts. The ease of setting a calculator on the screen makes it simpler to teach key strokes, show graphs or have the students come up to show their work. It also enables students to be more in control of their learning, because they can more easily share their thoughts and work with others.

A benefit of using the projector in the classroom is that it shines the information onto a whiteboard rather than a screen, which lets the teacher mark directly over the projection. The projector can also be connected to a wireless laptop computer and can easily change from one medium of projection to another. This allows for an easy demonstration of Internet tools or computer programs and software. It also allows for teaching with prewritten notes and computer-generated graphs.

The key to the use of all technology is not that it makes life easier for the teacher, but that it permits a different type of teaching. I believe it is what enables my students to learn, to think and to see a concept from a different perspective. It also improves the effectiveness of teaching because it allows for more experimentation. Instead of tediously graphing three different variations of the same graph, all three can be presented clearly to the students with great resolution on the board, making it easier to ask them questions.

- Sharon Cade, Oregon Episcopal School, Portland, Ore.

Contact Information
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
(800) OK-CANON
www.canonprojectors.com

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.