During the induction session I explained that the CLC had worked with Ruth to establish the general format and kit that we felt would enhance the programme. In this blog I want to justify some of the choices and also explain that one of our roles as a CLC is to testbed hardware and software with a main focus being what impact will this have on teaching and learning to impact raising attainment.
For a number of years now we have been running digital imaging workshops within the CLC. Some of these are with classes but recently we have been running twilight courses on a Thursday (4.30 – 6.30 pm) exploring the use of digital cameras and scanners and manipulating images using Photoshop Elements. The courses are open to the community and approx 50% of the participants have been Haringey teachers. We have been very happy with the Canon Cameras that we have at the CLC both from a performance point of view and the ease with which students work with them. The Canon A630 that we have chosen for this course was selected for it’s ease of use, range of quality of outputs, good quality video capture and a number of special effect features that would make for interesting and creative use of images. Knowing that we wanted staff to explore using video footage in their teaching resources for teaching and assessment we decided that a tripod would be useful to gain a clear view of the class and free the teacher from the problem of carrying the camera around with them.
The inclusion of the card reader was to enable staff to upload photos without wasting the battery power of the cameras. Canon unfortunately have changed where they have placed the SD card. In the previous model the card was hidden in it’s own slot at the side of the camera and was easy to get to – on the A630 the card is hidden in the battery compartment and might prove to be a problem – batteries falling out accidently when trying to get the card out or the battery compartment lid jamming or breaking. I am keen to get feedback on this design element and would suggest that you use the USB cable instead of the card reader if it poses any difficulties.
I will leave the details of the rest of the kit until my next blog, however I must stress that we are keen to receive your comments on the equipment that you are being proved with. We want to hear both positive and negative comments so please respond to these blogs. Many thanks.
3 responses so far ↓
1
skambalu
// Mar 25, 2007 at 10:19 am
I have really enjoyed using the Canon so far, and have managed to remove the SD card and use the card reader to download photos and videos already onto my own home computer. The one concern I do have is the battery power. Is it possible to get rechargeable batteries? I am already wondering whether I should buy some new ones, because I have used them so much already and I am concerned that they will die on me in the middle of something important. Do you know what the battery life of these batteries is?
So far, having the camera for only about two days has already opened up loads of ideas to me about how I can use videos and images more in class. I have videoed part of an assembly and a short piece with my sixth formers. Haven’t tried videoing myself yet, though … that could prove interesting …
2
jjakes
// Mar 25, 2007 at 11:51 am
Sue it’s difficult saying how long the batteries will last because so many factors affect this. The use of the zoom functions uses power; having to use the flash a lot; using the LCD panel; leaving the camera on.
It is fine to use rechargable batteries, I would recommend that you always carry a spare set as rechargable batteries tend to die suddenly. A good source is http://www.7dayshop.com. They also sell a plastic case to keep batteries in so that you don’t loose them. I see you have already used Google Video to upload the video and the quality is fine. It might be a good idea to test the camera with different video setting to increase the amount that you can store on your 2G card.
PS 7dayshop also do an excellent battery charger and their kit is very cheap. Happy hunting.
3
tware
// Mar 29, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I found the image quality on the pictures amazing, given that I photographed students’ work and it was clearly visible and readable on the images. The video I haven’t really used so much but playing back brief experimental clips I wonder about sound quality – it seemed very faint. But maybe it would be louder when played back on a computer.
I love the gizmo (to use the technical term!) for uploading the photos without a cable – brilliantly easy. Great to think you could photograph student work in a lesson and get it straight up on the IWB within minutes, no faffing about with cables and camera software…
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