Introduction
Digital cameras and video cameras can be invaluable for recording learner progress and achievement (RARPA). Digital cameras store images digitally on the camera's hard drive or on a removable memory card. The images can then be downloaded onto a computer and edited and used electronically, or printed. Often one can also print directly from the memory card.
Many digital (still) cameras now also have a video function. A simple camcorder is also easy to manipulate and can create video recordings of good technical quality. These recordings can then be transferred to a computer for editing.
If you want to edit/playback images you will need:
- A digital camera or video camera to capture the initial images
- A computer to download the digital files to
- Software to edit the images/video
- Playing back or viewing the images/video
Often with video you can skip the middle two stages, and play back directly through a video or DVD player.
Capturing images
Each camera will have different controls - but they will usually have an option to take photos with an 'auto-focus', and most likely will have a 'zoom' function. Then it's just a matter of pointing the camera, looking through the view-finder and clicking the shutter button (or record button, if video).
Read through your camera/video camera's instruction manual for more specific details on how to use its functionality and controls. See also links below in the Useful resources section.
Downloading files to a computer
Usually your camera/video camera will come with software from the company for you to install on your computer, which will make transferring and saving the images to your computer easier.
First, install the software. You will then usually have to connect the camera to the computer with a USB or Firewire (video only) cable - also usually provided with the camera. Increasingly you can just take out the memory card from the camera and insert it directly into a computer.
Then open the software programme and follow the onscreen instructions to transfer the images/video from the camera to your computer.
You don't have to use the software that is provided with your camera: you can just copy the files over to your computer. The camera, when plugged into your PC, will appear as a directory (eg F:\\).
Editing images and video
Editing still images enables you to do colour and light correction, crop images and add effects before printing them, or using them electronically. Video editing allows you to cut, blend and mix different camera views and clips, and apply different effects to your video.
The software that comes with your camera is likely to provide you with some basic image or video editing that you can use to get started with. You may already have other software automatically installed on your PC that you can use (eg Microsoft Photo Editor, Picture Manager or Windows Moviemaker).
If you're looking for more powerful tools to edit with, a list of free and licensed software is in the Useful resources section below.
Playing back or viewing images/video
Printing still images
You can print images directly from the computer to a connected printer. You will get better results if you have a dedicated photo-printer (or photo setting for your printer), and if you use special photo paper (available from stationers). You can also take your camera or memory card into a high-street photo developer (eg Boots); or upload the files to a web-based photo developer who will then send you the prints (eg Kodak www.kodakgallery.co.uk). You can get images printed as posters and on mugs, t-shirts and a variety of other media.
If you are editing your photos before printing them, you will need to make sure you don't reduce them too much in size (maintaining the resolution). For more information on this see the Useful resources below.
Storing and playing back images and video electronically
If you are storing images or video taken by students and/or for RARPA you should make a back-up and store the files on a memory stick, and/or your school/college/centre's file server. Ask your local IT helpdesk for more assistance with this.
You can also upload photos and video to a photo-sharing or video-sharing website to store them. Many sites allow you to restrict access to view the images - if you only want them viewed by you/your students. See below for photo-sharing websites.
You can also store images and/or video on a CD-Rom or DVD. To make a CD-Rom you will need either a computer with a CD-Rom recording facility already part of the hardware (CD-RW), or a separate piece of hardware called a CD-Rom burner. Some computers also write to DVD discs; otherwise you will need a DVD recorder. Some Camcorders (DVD-camcorders) record straight to a DVD disc... which makes things much easier!
Using images electronically
You can insert electronic images and video into Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents; send them by email; and add them to web pages (including blogs and wikis).
You/your students can also create interactive slideshows (of still images) using Powerpoint, Microsoft Photostory (free downloadable software), or using the slideshow creation tools on photo/video-sharing websites (see links below).
Playing back video. As mentioned above, DVD Camcorders record straight to a DVD disc, making playback very easy. Otherwise you will need a FireWire or USB connection to connect the camcorder into a computer or DVD player/recorder.
Useful resources
Capturing images
Editing images and video
Playing back or viewing images and video
- Photo-sharing websites include: Flickr (Yahoo) and Picasa (Google) are the most well-known, but there are many more alternatives out there. You can also create slideshows with images on these sites.
- Youtube is the main video-sharing website.
- Microsoft Photostory (free software to create easy image and sound slideshows).
- There are literally hundreds of companies who will develop digital photos into prints - to varying quality. Shop around and check customer reviews. Obvious ones - but not necessarily the cheapest - are Kodak and Boots.
Flip video cameras
Flip cameras is one of the equipment you can borrow from your centre. It is a very easy camera to use and it has an integrated USB connection to make you easier downloading your pictures or videos.
For more information you can visit the official web site http://www.theflip.com/en-gb/
For tutorial videos you can visit http://www.doyouflip.co.uk/howtoflip.htm
Filmmaking websites
A really good starting point, this very straightforward program allows you to insert your own photos or images, and then add either a music track or a voice recording. It's great for storytelling using photos, talking about trips, or turning a conversation into a photo story.
This web tool could be described as a much funkier alternative to Photo Story, and one that effectively 'mashes up' your images to give your photos and story the pop video treatment . It is free for 30 seconds clips, but there is a monthly charge for longer videos.
http://animoto.com/
Jaycut is a really good - and currently free - tool that lets you upload, edit and create your own videos. As it uploads your videos -ideally shorter clips- it converts them into a more usable format. It is effectively online video editing software that is very user friendly and easy to get to grips with.
http://jaycut.com/
Now owned by Disney, Kerpoof is a simple to use animation site that allows learners to create artwork, make animated movies and to produce stories. The website prides itself on getting students to be creative. Find out for yourself what it can do! Visit the educator page for lesson plans on how to use Kerpoof.
http://www.kerpoof.com/
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