Digital cameras are becoming more and more popular, especially for classroom use. They have many advantages: pictures are immediately available, pictures are saved in graphic format, and they are easily transferred from the camera to the computer.

The purpose of this web page is to provide some ideas on how to use the digital camera in the classroom. The ideas have been collected from various educators. If we have used your idea and not given you credit, please let us know. Thanks to all who have contributed!

Remember, it's not really about taking pictures, but using the camera as a tool to help you explore and understand other subjects!

One important note: Check with your school's policy before posting ANY pictures of students on the internet.

Students love taking pictures as much as they love being in them. They benefit from using digital cameras because they learn firsthand the ease and immediacy of using digicams. Most of my students aren’t aware of the different types of graphics, but they can understand how it’s much more convenient to save pictures onto a disk which can be popped into a disk drive and transferred to a computer right away, as opposed to taking pictures with a regular camera, sending film to be developed, getting the pictures back, and then discovering that half of the pictures they took weren’t usable. They also realize that they’re saved the trouble of scanning, saving, and doing a lot of editing of photos, since this is all done on the camera itself. They also learn that pictures can be easily viewed on a screen or Smart Board, or emailed as attachments.

Using digital photography helps the student become more involved with the subject. I guide the younger ones in “deciding” what they will photograph and the purpose behind the project. Then they are responsible for carrying it out, with my supervision. Older students can decide for themselves what the project will be, and after my approval, they complete it. The process becomes a cognitive one as the students reason and plan what pictures to take and why those pictures are needed. Random snapshots are okay sometimes, but the students quickly learn to be selective when using the camera.

The main issue is damage to the camera. Digital cameras are still rather expensive, and the students MUST be taught proper handling and safety rules when using the camera. Do training with students one-on-one to ensure that they understand how to handle the camera. When students "pass" the required training and demonstrate knowledge of the careful handling rules, take their picture with the camera, and issue an "Official Photographer" pass with their picture on the front and the safety use rules printed on the back as a reminder. Whenever a student is to use the camera, he or she should show you the pass (just like a photographer for a newspaper or other press).

The second most important issue to remember is ensuring that students take appropriate photographs. The ease of using a digital camera also allows students to snap many nonsense pictures (goofy faces, posture, or catching subjects in awkward situations). Plan on spending some time going over basic photography rules with students and explaining how to frame or set up a picture before it's taken. Some casual snapshots are okay and encouraged, but they need to be aware that some are inappropriate and be able to judge for themselves what they should or should not photograph.

A third issue to keep in mind is privacy when publishing photographs. Some students do not have permission to be photographed. Be aware of your school’s policy regarding pictures and publication of pictures. Check with your principal before publishing any student picture, whether on paper or online.

The main tip for using digital cameras is don’t be afraid! If you’re not sure how to use the camera, hand it to one of your more responsible students. I guarantee they will figure out how to use it, and they love the opportunity to teach the teacher how to do something. Walk around your classroom with the camera and take snapshots throughout the day to let the students get used to it. This will stop them from mugging for pictures every time they see a camera. It also gives you the chance to become familiar with the camera and how it operates. Don't be afraid to push buttons to find out what they all do. Scan through the manual or handbook that comes with your camera, but get your hands on it and USE it as soon as you can. That's the best way to learn.

The second tip is to be creative and encourage your students to offer input when planning digicam projects. We’re just beginning to realize the potential of what digital photography can do for us. Embrace it and share your ideas with others who might be hesitant. Brainstorm with your students and fellow teachers. Then try ideas. Write down what works and what doesn't. And then brainstorm again.

Once you learn how to use the camera and want to learn more about actual photo editing, search online for a good tutorial or check around your school to see if anyone knows how to do this (cropping, changing photo types from .bmp to .jpg, etc). The more you learn, the more you will want to learn about digital photography.