Learn How to Use a Webcam as a Document Camera for Online Teaching

Teaching online can be challenging, as it requires active engagement to make the class fun and interactive for young and adult learners. Whether you are a teacher or trainer, knowing how to use gadgets and tools can benefit your virtual classroom. One powerful tool is a document camera, which allows you to include a real-time visual element in lessons and demonstrations, giving learners a better understanding of the topic.

In this article, we will explain how a document camera can enhance your online teaching experience, offer a few tips to transform your webcam into a versatile document camera, and recommend a multimode webcam that can also function as a document camera.

What is a Document Camera?

A document camera, also known as a visualizer or a visual presenter, is a flexible presentation tool for displaying and magnifying physical objects or documents in real time. It consists of a camera mounted on an adjustable arm or stand, which captures images or videos and projects them onto a larger screen or interactive whiteboard.

Document cameras are popular in education. They offer live content material for a wide range of in-classroom, online, and hybrid learning applications. They are often mounted on a tabletop surface or affixed to a ceiling.

One of the significant benefits of using a document camera alongside your presentation equipment is that you can bring subjects to life by showing pages from textbooks, experiments, illustrations, or 3-D objects, helping students learn better through visual means.

How Can a Document Camera Improve Online Teaching?

Approximately 65% of the population are visual learners, and using a document camera to present information visually can enhance learning outcomes. You can combine materials presented through a document camera with other content like PowerPoint slides, textbook content, demonstrations, and videos, and regularly switch between the document camera and media content. This approach helps refresh learners' attention span and improves their ability to retain information compared to solely oral presentations, thus replicating the in-person learning experience.

What to Consider Before Buying a Document Camera?

Resolution

Resolution refers to the level of detail in an image or video. It is measured in pixels by multiplying the horizontal and vertical pixel measurements. A megapixel represents one million pixels. Cameras with higher megapixel counts offer better video quality. A 1080p Full HD resolution (1920×1080) document camera is sufficient for everyday classroom use.

If you pursue exceptional video quality, you can upgrade to a 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840×2160) document camera. 4K offers four times the number of pixels compared to 1080p, providing a stunningly detailed viewing experience. However, it is relatively more expensive, and some video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, may downscale the video quality due to their limitations anyway.

Connectivity

HDMI or USB: Can the camera connect properly to your computer, projector, monitor, or interactive panel? For remote and hybrid teaching, a USB is easier and more convenient for connecting different devices. For wider compatibility, the camera should be compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Chrome. Additionally, you will want a document camera that can function as a webcam to provide maximum flexibility.

Optical Zoom and Autofocus

You can use the zoom function to enlarge or magnify a document or object without moving the camera. Optical zoom relies on various lenses and a mechanical mechanism to magnify a subject without compromising picture quality. A camera with a high zoom ratio is ideal for examining small text and microscopic objects.

Autofocus helps you capture high-quality videos easily. It automatically adjusts the camera lens to keep the subject in focus, regardless of the distance. On the other hand, fixed focus ensures that documents and objects are always in sharp focus during video calls and streaming.

Opt for a document camera with a decent optical zoom and autofocus to accurately capture details.

Flexibility and Portability

You can use the zoom function to enlarge or magnify a document or object without moving the camera. Optical zoom relies on various lenses and a mechanical mechanism to magnify a subject without compromising picture quality. A camera with a high zoom ratio is ideal for examining small text and microscopic objects.

Autofocus helps you capture high-quality videos easily. It automatically adjusts the camera lens to keep the subject in focus, regardless of the distance. On the other hand, fixed focus ensures that documents and objects are always in sharp focus during video calls and streaming.

Opt for a document camera with a decent optical zoom and autofocus to accurately capture details.

Options and Accessories

Add-on features can significantly influence the purchasing decision. Do you use a microscope during your classes? A document camera equipped with a microscope adapter lens will allow you to maximize the potential of the camera.

Software

Cameras usually come with software that can boost your ability to engage learners during teaching sessions and deliver dynamic content. Features such as annotation, split-screen, and recording are valuable tools for interactive and effective teaching.

Can Webcams Be Used as Document Cameras?

A document camera is a great tool but it can be expensive and inaccessible. Using a webcam as a document camera is a cost-effective solution for online teaching, presentations, and meetings.

To use your existing webcam as a document camera, you will need a few accessories. Get a webcam mount and a flexible tripod or gooseneck with a desk clamp. When shopping for these accessories, make sure that they are compatible with your webcam model.

Can I Use My Phone as a Document Camera?

Yes, you can use your phone or tablet as a document camera! To utilize your phone as a document camera, you will need a few basic tools and apps. These include a Wi-Fi connection that supports Screen Mirroring and a tripod or gooseneck stand to securely hold your phone.

If you are looking for budget-friendly options, here are some creative do-it-yourself ideas for a document camera stand, such as using soup cans or a stack of books.

Next, launch the Zoom app on your computer, click "Share Screen," choose "Advanced Sharing Options," select "iPhone/iPad via AirPlay," and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you're using an Android phone, you'll need a tool to mirror your phone's screen to your computer. Vysor provides a free phone mirroring application that you can download on your Windows and Mac computers. Once installed, you can mirror your Android phone's screen to your computer using a USB cable.

Best Document Camera Alternative: Multimode Webcam

Using your existing webcam or phone is a budget-friendly option, but it may not be the most efficient choice. It may lack certain features and require some preparation before starting your class. Fortunately, there is a solution to simplify things!

BenQ ideaCam is a versatile webcam that offers portrait, desk view, and handheld modes, seamlessly switching from webcam to document camera in just a second. It simplifies presenting materials on your desktop, making it easy and convenient.

Furthermore, ideaCam comes with a 15x optical zoom lens, so you can use it as a microscope to showcase incredible details. Whether it's small print, textures, or any other element you want learners to see in detail, ideaCam enables crystal-clear visibility.

Conclusion

Whether in a classroom or online, using technology tools to engage learners has become increasingly important. Document cameras empower teachers to create immersive learning experiences from anywhere, although they may not always be user-friendly and affordable. While traditional webcams can be used as makeshift document cameras, a multimode webcam is a compelling alternative for educators seeking flexibility and functionality. BenQ ideaCam serves a variety of purposes beyond document capture and ensures an excellent online learning experience for learners.