Journal 10: I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom (Nets T-1,2)

I can see me: webcams in the classroom. (2010). Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx 

Educators are starting to implement webcams into the classroom to help students improve their reading skills and confidence. It captures student's attention, engage them in learning, and enhance the curriculum. Since it is an inexpensive technology it is easy to incorporate it into the classroom. For one student named Sam they used a webcam during reading. He struggled with reading throughout his school career, always trying to avoid reading aloud in class. After trying different tactics, they decided to try the webcam to reflect. Sam was able to see his own errors and try to fix them. Because of the webcam Sam and his teacher were able to see improvement in his reading and a boost in his confidence. Students see themselves on the screen and are readily excited to participate, while they see ongoing improvement.

How does it work?

Students record themselves reading and then reviews it independently. This helps the student to build skills in self-correction and self-monitoring. The teacher then reviews the video with the student to provide guidance and possible suggestions. Students then work on the areas of improvement while constantly recording themselves during reading aloud. It becomes a repeated process till the student has a near perfect reading sample.

What are some of the benefits of webcam in the classroom?

Students build self-confidence, self-monitoring, and self-correction over time. They improve their fluency and increase the words per minute with fewer amounts of errors during a reading period. Students are able to self correct their reading errors.  It is important for the teacher to continue to work with the student to help with guidance and further develop these skills.