Get to know your 21st Century Classroom – Part 1: The Document Camera

This series will focus on getting to know the features and functions of some of the equipment that is present in a 21^st Century Classroom. Now that the term is underway, hopefully, teachers have had an opportunity to get familiar with some of the new tools in their classroom. Each new device has been provided to perform a specific task; detailed documentation is available online through our website at www.logicalchoice.com. We encourage educators to browse our site and especially check out the ActivClassroom overview available here: http://www.logicalchoice.com/products/explore-the-activclassroom/activclassroom-overview/.

3Cam Document Camera:

To begin this series, we will be discussing “doc cams” and specifically referencing the 3Cam, available exclusively through Logical Choice. Other doc cams will vary in features but should be similar in function to the 3Cam.

The document camera is a tool that is specifically engineered to provide excellent video representation of documents for transmittal through a digital medium. They are the 21^st century replacement for the transparency dependent, overhead projector. Doc cams offer better resolution and a shorter focal distance than a typical web cam. This is a necessary feature to be able to clearly read fine printed material. Essentially, the doc cam can do everything that a traditional web cam is capable of doing; however, it was designed to handle the unique demands of the classroom better. Teachers can use the 3Cam to display a page from a book, video record classroom activities, or even capture images through the 3Cam software.

3Cam Software:

Getting started with a doc cam usually begins with downloading the proper software and drivers. The 3Cam Software and updates are available through our website at: http://www.logicalchoice.com/products/doc-cameras-microscopes/3cam-software-updates/. Simply choose Windows or Mac and then follow the installation wizard. Once the program is installed, the 3Cam is ready to go! Just plug it in.

3Cam Features:

The quality of an image produced by a document camera is a direct result of the optics and the software utilities. The 3Cam offers a resolution of 1280 x 1024, autofocus, and an automatic exposure adjustment. The 3Cam software also gives the user control of the fine image tuning. It will allow the user to adjust zoom, color balance, focus, and the iris. This all adds up to a projected image that will be clear and easily readable to students. 


The 3Cam software also allows the teacher to rotate the image, snap a picture, and record an AVI movie or time-lapse photography. While it is not necessary to have an Intelligent White Board in order to use a document camera, the combination can be very powerful.

Next week: We will explore some of the functions and benefits of slate technology and how it allows students to fully engage into the day’s lesson.