Journal #9

Ed 422 Journal #9  “I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom”  NETS 1,2 & 5

Frey, Timothy J., Houlton, Abby L., & Gruis, Elizabeth D. (2010). I can see me: webcams in the classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx

Webcams are put to use in the classroom to help struggling readers.  Students watch and record themselves as they read.  As they see themselves they begin to recognize errors and begin to self correct and self monitor.  Students who used webcams showed a decrease in errors and an increase in reading fluency.  

Q1: What would be the difficulty to implementing a webcam reader program in the classroom?

A1: One of the problems would be, not all schools have the equipment necessary to implement a webcam program.  Also, it  is incredibly time consuming.  If a teacher had 32 students and if even a third needed the support of a webcam program, that would be 10 students trying to read, re-read, record and review on a consistent basis to gain the benefits from the program.  Unless a teacher had an aide that could be assigned just to help those reading students it would be extremely hard to utilize the program. 

Q1: How else could a webcam be used in the classroom?

A1: The ability to use a webcam in the classroom can connect students with other students across the United States and the World.  Students could also collaborate in groups to record a project.  A webcam could be used as a testing tool.  Instead of just the standard paper based test, students could be asked a series of questions and recorded.  The recording could then be analyzed for understanding of concepts.  Technology needs to be reevaluated and utilized for its value to improve education.