non computer technology

I think one of the most important non computer technologies in the classroom today is the digital camera. I think it is something that can be used for a variety of reasons throughout the curriculum. It can be used to take pictures of the children at work or doing whatever they are doing in the classroom and showing that to the parents. This can be done through a website or a newsletter or as a slide show on parent-teacher night. The digital camera can also be used by the children. There are some relatively simple digital cameras out there to use that the children can pick up on rather quickly. They can use it to take pictures of flora and fauna that they can't disturb but need to have for a report. It also can be used to take pictures of an animal, bug, or flower that the children or teacher may not know the exact name of and find it in a book or research it online. To me the most interesting use for the digital camera would be in allowing students to create their own book from it. They would be in charge of the subject matter and it would become very personal for them. I can see it being a high engagement for the students because they would be in control of every aspect of the book making. I have seen my nephews who are 4 and 7 use their mother's digital camera and take pictures. Then she gets those developed for them and they make their own little books. They know how to work a digital camera better than I do. So I definitely see the digital camera as a good addition to the early childhood classroom.