It turns out many of us are referring to this tool incorrectly. It is the Hover Cam, not the Document Cam!
This tool replaced the old squeaky overhead projectors many of us remember fondly from our K-12 days. The Hovercam allows you to project solid objects onto the screen so students can see them. You can zoom in/out, point to things, draw on a document in real time, and more. This tool can save you from having to make several hard copies to pass around and lets you control the content in the moment.
If you are using the computer that is already connected in the classroom, the software, Hovercam Flex 11, is already loaded onto it.
If you are using your own laptop, you will need to install the Hovercam Flex onto your laptop prior to class time. We recommend giving yourself enough time to test this out prior to your first in-class use
Switching to the Hovercam (steps from Shawn Lienemann)
Look for a blue light on the Hovercam, this light indicates that it is transmitting.
Double-click to open the Hovercam Flex 11 program on the computer.
Place your document below the camera. You can use either the hovercam’s built-in buttons or the computer
software to zoom, rotate, and autofocus the document.
Simply bring in your page or item, turn on the Hovercam...and go
Work through math equations and graphs
View books, documents, diagrams
Diagram sentences
Conduct science experiments
View models
Demonstrate techniques
We love that this tool cuts out the need to make copies or screenshots to share documents and images with the class.
You can also use this when you are making video lectures. Schedule a time when the classroom is free to record your video with the Hover Cam!
Ask the learners if they were able to view the process/technique/sample better than the past method used to share with them.
While using the hovercam observe the class to see if there is more engagement than previously.
Students can complete an assignment explaining the process or completing the problem.
Benefits have been seen from integrating activities into a lecture that take advantage of live projections. For instance, improvements were seen in students’ attention during lecture and retention of content when they participated in a ‘draw along’ activity while learning about the microscopic components of tissues and organs (Kotzé & Mole, 2015).
References
Kotzé, S. H., & Mole, C. G. (2015). Making large class basic histology lectures more interactive: The use of draw-along mapping techniques and associated educational activities: Draw along mapping techniques for large class teaching. Anatomical Sciences Education, 8(1), 463-470. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1514
About the Invited Expert
Dr. Sri Seshadri holds the position of Professor of Marketing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he commenced his tenure in 1993. He was drawn to UNK due to its unwavering dedication to teaching and fostering student success. With a background in engineering from his previous professional endeavors, Dr. Seshadri exhibits a propensity for embracing and integrating emerging technologies. Notably, he has enthusiastically incorporated the Hover Cam into his instructional practices. Transitioning from traditional acetate transparencies, this innovative tool enables him not only to present materials akin to the methods of yesteryears but also to showcase three-dimensional products, even to students participating remotely. Dr. Seshadri ardently advocates for his colleagues to harness the capabilities afforded by Hover Cam technology in their educational endeavors.
