Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Digital Camera for Kids' Use -- Recommendations?

    Posted 06-07-2019 11:58 AM
    Hello all,

    I'm looking into getting a digital camera for kids to use in the classroom. I want a camera that's durable, waterproof or water resistant, and also has high quality photos. Video capability would be cool ideal too. I do NOT want anything with games on it or too many functions that will keep kids focused on the screen rather than the world around them that they are documenting. Similarly, I would rather get something that does NOT connect to wifi.

    Have a fairly flexible budget.

    If you use a camera in your classroom (that children are allowed to operate), what kind, and do you like it? Pros and cons? Tips for classroom use?

    Thanks!

    Encian

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    Encian Pastel
    Richmond CA
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  • 2.  RE: Digital Camera for Kids' Use -- Recommendations?

    Posted 06-10-2019 12:20 AM
    What age group are you using the camera with? I also like the idea of a camera for the children but when I did an art camp one summer I got disposable cameras to avoid them getting distracted. But I work with 2-5 year olds and cameras in that age range tend to not have super high quality pictures.

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    Temesha (Ms. Tessie) Ragan
    Family Child Care IF Facilitator
    Perfect Start Learning
    Family Child Care Provider
    Edwards, CA
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  • 3.  RE: Digital Camera for Kids' Use -- Recommendations?

    Posted 06-10-2019 11:12 AM
    I work with 3-5 year olds, but by the summer time most of the young ones have turned 4 or are close to it. I'm looking at some cameras that are marketed for adults as "indestructable" cameras to take hiking...

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    Encian Pastel
    Richmond CA
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  • 4.  RE: Digital Camera for Kids' Use -- Recommendations?

    Posted 06-21-2019 12:50 AM
    In his blog post "A Spring Time Photo Walk" Marc Faulder suggests "We must teach children to use cameras effectively and for a particular purpose so that they don't fill devices with endless, repetitive images and learn that photographs tell us visual stories."

    I have seen iPads with child-friendly (light weight, easy grip cases) used effectively by preschool children to take photos during classroom nature walks, like the activity Marc suggests in his blog post. Increasingly, people are using devices like smart phones and tablets for photography instead of digital cameras, so it can be helpful for children to learn to use these tools in beneficial ways. Since teachers control what goes on a device, which could include mixing children's photographs and their own comments (either typed up or audio recordings) about their work, it could be used in ways that align with your own philosophy of device use.

    Marc concludes his post by stating "Linking photography to writing reinforces that images communicate meaning and photos tell stories. Children need to know, from an early age, that the photos they take matter. They need to know the good uses of photography and how to use this technology appropriately in order to fully understand the purpose of digital images on social media, news sites and online later in life."

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    Bonnie Blagojevic
    Morningtown Consulting
    Orono ME
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