Many schools and individual teachers now own digital cameras. This article covers the use of the “video clip” feature found on many of these devices. Note that some cameras are now marketed as “tapeless camcorders”, designed specifically for video work. These cameras, such as the Mustek DV 5000 and 5300SE (Figures 23 & 25) and Sanyo Xacti (Figure 24) ranges may not offer many more video features than conventional digital cameras but their design makes them easier to use for that purpose. Additionally, they tend to be able to compress video files in such a way that more footage can be stored in their memory. The cameras described here can play back videos either via the small LCD screen or directly through the computer or TV, immediately and without the addition of any extra equipment save for a connecting cable. Alternatively, the clips can remain on the camera or can be transferred to a computer with the supplied software installed, for editing and playback later.

Uses

Bringing real world into the classroom - Many teachers now supplement their lessons with still photographs taken on digital cameras or downloaded from the Internet. The increased use of whiteboards and digital video projectors complement the use of these perfectly. Digital video adds another dimension e.g. one teacher visited a wind farm and took video footage, panning around to give the children a better idea of the scale of the site and the relative size of the turbines. This opened up discussion on the impact of alternative energy solutions on the Scottish environment.

Sharing learning intentions or summarising lessons - Video editing software, which is often bundled with the camera, makes it fairly easy to string together a number of clips into a short film. All have the ability to add titles and sound tracks. One teacher used this feature to summarise the key learning points of a 5-14 lesson on forces, interspersing text with film of the children working on a practical activity. The film was shown to the pupils before the next lesson to remind them of the work they had covered. 

Reviewing practical work - When practical work is used to challenge the children and open up discussion, it can be useful to have a record of the work to review with them. This has been used e.g. to record the results of a class’s investigations on friction. The video clips were projected on to a screen and discussed.

Presenting investigative work - Many teachers are aware that individual pupils have their own preferred learning styles. Similarly, some pupils may be much more motivated if they are allowed to present their work to camera rather than solely on paper. Note that not all digital cameras with a video facility can record sound, though the camcorders mentioned here can do so. The Mustek can record sound files as separate entities so can be used as a digital audio recorder also.

Technical issues

Most digital cameras store video clips as individual files memory or on a memory card. When the camera is connected to a computer, it usually appears as an extra disc drive. The video files can be moved and copied in the usual way or played directly from the camera.

Older computers running Win98 or lower may require a small file (driver) to be installed to allow camera and the computer to communicate. This is often supplied on a CD with the camera.

There are a number of different types of video file formats. Most computers will play most types. Occasionally, when you try to play a file, the computer will report that it does not have the correct codec, the file that decodes a video clip. Some computers download these automatically from the internet. In other cases, you may need to seek help.

File formats play a part when it comes to video editing. Video editors allow you to cut parts out of your clips or put them together with titles and sound tracks. The latest Windows computers come with a free video editor called Windows Movie Maker. This is a little limited when compared with packages such as Pinnacle Studio or Ulead VideoStudio (video editors used in a number of schools) but it is an excellent starting point and is easy to use.

The camcorders mentioned here are simple enough to be used by pupils. The Mustek DV5300SE costs around £60, the Sanyo upwards of £130.

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