Introduction to Digital Technology

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Introduction to Digital Technology
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ObjectivesDigital Technology Module

• Purchasing, Caring for a digital camera
• Identify the parts of a digital camera.
• Change focus settings
• Select a resolution
• Take macro (close-up) photographs
• Take zoom pictures
• Use the cameras LCD panel to view photographs
• Delete photographs from the camera
• Download photographs to a computer
• Insert photographs in a PowerPoint Presentation
• Create your own digital storybook.

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Learning with a Digital Camera

• As a curriculum tool, digital cameras add a
  multimedia dimension to learning. Placing a
  digital camera in the hands of a K-12 student or
  teacher unleashes creativity and opens up new
  possibilities for all areas of the education
  spectrum. Beyond simply recording events, digital
  images transform documents, presentations, and
  communications into personalized, custom
  productions. Using software such as PowerPoint,
  projects come alive with digital photos that
  showcase school activities. Students quickly
  master the art of shooting photos and recording
  to share their learning in class, at home, and
  far beyond.
• Documents created on a computer can include
  digital photos for making activity sheets
  illustrating maps or science equipment, posters
  of sports positions or choreography, iron-on
  transfers of national flags, creative crests with
  faces, and photos of community events. Students
  can write stories accompanied by photos they
  shoot. These products can be shared in class or
  with broader audiences via e-mail or the Web.
  Presentations can be used at the annual "Open
  House" to show parents what their children are
  learning at school.

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PURCHASING A DIGITAL CAMERA
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Minimize your digital camera search

• Identify your priorities but think about future
  possibilities.
• Give priority to long lasting RECHARGEABLE
  batteries.
• Choose easy to use models that are friendly for
  beginners
• Give priority to models with optical and LCD
  viewfinder (saves batteries)
• Consider models that also allow saving of short
  MPEG or AVI movies (but check that sound is
  included)
• Check that the camera can hold at least 20 photos
• Check what the prices, the RESOLUTION, the ZOOM
  of the digital
• Check what type of storage card it uses.
• Find out the options available (eg flash, red-eye
  reduction, zoom, self - timer)
• Check for models with PC cards, Compact
  FlashCards, or Memory Sticks

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Selected Cameras BASIC END MODEL

• Low resolution (lt 2 MegaPixels)
• Price lt 100.00
• Suited for web or email
• Cheap, can buy more than one camera (for large
  groups)
• Some models are small in size (height, width)

Ideally the more optical zoom the digital camera
has THE BETTER. But it will increase the cost of
the camera.
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Selected Camera MEDIUM END MODEL

• Useful resolution lt 3 MegaPixels
• Price 150.00 - 200.00
• Suited for small images in documents, web, or
  email

Ideally the more optical zoom the digital camera
has THE BETTER. But it will increase the cost of
the camera.
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Selected Camera HIGH END MODEL

• Very good resolution lt 5 MegaPixels
• Price 300.00 - 500.00
• Wide range of uses, produce good quality
  postcards, large photo prints

Ideally the more optical zoom the digital camera
has THE BETTER. But it will increase the cost of
the camera.
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Selected Cameras OUTSTANDING END MODEL

• Excellent resolution gt 7 Megapixels
• Price 500.00 - 8000.00
• Suitable for large photo prints used for
  publications (magazines, newspapers, and etc.)
• NO DIGITAL PICTURE DELAY
• These cameras are like 35mm cameras without the
  film.

Ideally the more optical zoom the digital camera
has THE BETTER. But it will increase the cost of
the camera.
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CARE FOR THE DIGITAL CAMERA
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When using digital cameras

• Buy a carrying case
• Insist students loop the camera strap around
  there neck, or wrist
• GET CLOSE to the subject or object being
  photographed.
• Hold the camera steady while taking the photo
• Choose maximum resolution for best quality print
  images and to allow for editing if necessary,
  choose minimum resolution for web pages and email
• Charge camera after usage.
• Avoid fingerprints on LCD panel or lens (to clean
  use a lens cloth)
• Download digital pictures to computer (organize
  your pictures)

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STORAGE
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Storage in digital camera

• CompactFlash Cards
• MultiMediaCard card
• Memory Stick

The more MBs the storage card has THE BETTER
because you will be able to store many
pictures. EXAMPLE 256MB can store 100 pictures
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Storage on the computer

• Save pictures to a specific folder on the
  computer
• Save pictures to a CD

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DIGITAL PICTURE MANIPULATION SOFTWARE
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Software

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Elements
• TO NAME A FEW

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Sample Digital Manipulation
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Taking Digital Pictures Activity

• Take pictures of your people group. Questions to
  ask
• What is your name?
• What school to you teach at?
• What is your favorite thing to do?
• Insert all your photos in PowerPoint
• Tell your story

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Group Activity Brainstorming

• Integrating digital photograph with your
  curriculum (brainstorm time)
• Breakup into groups (no more than 4 in a group)
• Pick a subject/content area
• Pick a grade level
• Finding additional sources on digital photography
  and education on the web