How to use your Phone as a Document Camera 

 

In today's world, remote learning has become the new normal. With the current pandemic situation, schools and universities worldwide have shifted to online learning, and students are taking classes from home. One of the most useful tools for online teaching is the document camera. It allows teachers to display documents, objects, or even handwritten notes in real-time, making remote learning more effective. However, not all educators have access to a document camera. In this blog, we will discuss how to use your phone as a document camera to enhance your online teaching experience.

 

Step 1: Set up your phone

 

Before you start using your phone as a document camera, you need to prepare it. First, you need to download a document camera app on your phone. Some popular options include CamScanner, Microsoft Office Lens, and Google Drive. Once you have downloaded the app, position your phone above the document or object you want to display. Make sure the camera lens is facing the document and that the phone is stable.

 

Step 2: Connect your phone to your computer

 

To use your phone as a document camera, you need to connect it to your computer or laptop. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest is to use a USB cable. Connect one end of the cable to your phone and the other end to your computer or laptop.

 

Step 3: Set up your video conferencing software

 

Next, you need to set up your video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Open the software on your computer or laptop and start a meeting. Once the meeting is in progress, select the option to share your screen.

 

Step 4: Share your phone screen

 

After you have selected the option to share your screen, you will see a list of options, including "Desktop", "Window", and "Chrome Tab." Select the option that allows you to share your phone screen. Depending on the software you are using, this option might be called "Share Screen" or "Share Content." Once you select this option, you will be prompted to install a plugin or app on your computer or laptop.

 

Step 5: Start sharing your phone's camera feed

 

Once you have installed the necessary plugin or app, your phone screen will be visible on your computer or laptop. Start the document camera app on your phone and position it so that it is facing the document or object you want to display. You should now see the camera feed from your phone on your computer or laptop screen. Use the document camera app's features to adjust the focus, lighting, and zoom to get the best possible image of the document or object.

 

Step 6: Enhance the experience

 

To enhance the learning experience for your students, you can use various tools that are available in your video conferencing software. For example, you can use the chat function to answer any questions that your students might have during the lesson. You can also use the whiteboard feature to draw diagrams, graphs, or any other visual aids that can help explain the lesson more effectively.

 

In conclusion, using your phone as a document camera is an excellent way to enhance the online teaching experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily connect your phone to your computer or laptop and start sharing physical objects and documents with your students. Remember to position the phone correctly and use the various tools available in your video conferencing software to make the lesson more engaging and interactive.