What are visualisers?
A visualiser is a powerful digital camera mounted on a stand that plugs into a projector to show clear, detailed images on an interactive whiteboard.
Also known as ‘document cameras’ and ‘visual presenters’, visualisers are used in schools to:
• show all types of text, pictures and objects on a whiteboard
• zoom in and out on details
• allow the whole class to see the same thing at the same time.
How they are used in school
When visualisers are used in teaching English, for instance, the teacher can place a book under the camera. As the class discusses the text on the screen, the teacher can make notes – on the page or on the whiteboard.
• In maths, the teacher can show the correct use of apparatus e.g. a protractor. • In geography, everyone can see how to plot grid references accurately on a map.
• In science, all pupils can watch an experiment or observe living creatures.
• In arts and crafts, students can follow and copy skills more easily.
One in 30 UK school classrooms now have a visualiser - this will increase to one in 10 by the year 2010.
“There was a collective ‘wow’ from the children. They could see all the parts we had been learning about. It really brought the facts home and the lesson to life.” St. Mary’s School
Benefits of visualisers
One of the big benefits of visualisers is for presenting and discussing pupils’ work. With the work up on the screen, the teacher or the student can talk with the rest of the class about what’s good and what could be better.
“Children are engaged by viewing each other’s work.” Bonneville School
Visualisers have many other benefits, too, including:
• saving the teacher time on demonstrations
• enlarging visuals for children with impaired sight
• making lessons more hands-on
• motivating all children of all abilities.
“A huge sense of excitement as everyone wanted to be involved.” Hillmead School
More information and advice for schools about Visualisers can be found at the Becta website - click here to see the Visualisers page.
Video courtesy of Visualiser Forum