Visualisers sound like some far off sci-fi technology you’d find in star trek. Its anything but! They’re simple and easy to use gadgets that boost your teaching options. Allowing you and your colleagues to be more versatile.

1. What is a classroom visualiser?

A classroom visualiser, also known as a document camera, is a tool that allows teachers to display physical objects to their pupils via a digital projector or a connection to an interactive touchscreen. Students can then see what the teacher is doing on a much larger screen. Eliminating the need to crowd around a single desk.

2. What can you use a visualiser for?

Visualisers can take individual images or project live video, allowing teachers to display a single object or a small area to an entire classroom. When used with a classroom display, you can make annotations, comparisons and demonstrate best practice to your entire class. They’re also very useful for online teaching or video conferences that need you to examine a physical resource.

3. What are the benefits of using visualisers in the classroom?

• Enhanced Learning: Visualisers make lessons more engaging by showcasing real-world objects and student work.

• Interactive Teaching: Teachers can annotate, highlight, and interact with visual content.

• Assessment: Live assessment and feedback become easier with visualisers.

• Inclusive Education: Visualisers cater to different learning styles and abilities.

• Cost efficient: Removes the need to print a class worth of physical resources.

4. Are there different types of visualisers?

Yes - there are various types, including USB-powered, wireless, and multifunctional visualisers. Some models offer high-resolution cameras, zoom capabilities, and built-in microphones and speakers. Different brand visualisers also offer software that accomplishes different things such as capture and sharing capabilities.

5. How can visualisers benefit student learning?

• Visual Learning: Students grasp concepts better when they see visual representations of corrections or demonstrations.

• Active Participation: Visualisers encourage students to actively engage with the material by either replicating the process or by directing what happens next.

• Scientific Exploration: Visualisers are excellent for science experiments and dissections or chemical processes.

6. What features should I look for in a visualiser?

When looking for a visualiser, some of the features you should consider are:

• Image Quality: Look for high-resolution cameras that are able to capture the detail you're looking for in your classroom.

• Zoom Capability: Some visualisers offer powerful zoom options that can enhance details drastically.

• Connectivity: Check if it works with your existing devices. Some visualisers offer screen sharing and recording capabilities. Check with us if your visualiser works with the tech you have.

• Portability: Choose a model that suits your teaching methods. Do you need to move around the class with it often? or are you happy to keep it at the front desk?

7. Can my visualiser cover A3 and A4 sized pages?

They absolutely can. Visualisers are incredibly flexible and easy to reposition for larger items or pages. Allowing you to show off anything from a post-it note to a student’s artwork to the whole classroom to easily see and comment on.

8. Can I annotate for live marking?

Easily! The visualiser is just like any device that you can connect to your touchscreen. Allowing you to make annotations in front of the whole class without changing the original. Or if you’d prefer, mark the original under the visualiser and project that onto your screen instead.

9. Do I need to have software for my visualiser?

Most visualisers will come with their own software that’s designed to integrate with your classroom display. This can be handled stress free on your part during setup after which you can easily just start using. The software has several tools that let you record your sessions for later, capture moments for comparison and annotation options for marking.

10. How good is the zoom on a visualiser?

Every visualiser is built different but each of them has a very strong zoom that won’t have any problems focussing on tiny details. Of course, they’re no microscope so don’t expect to be counting cells in a petri dish. But for every other need they are more than capable enough. Examining worksheets, demonstrating an experiment, showing off art. You'll have no problem with classroom visibility.

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If you'd like to learn more about visualisers or any of the other products we work with, contact our team on 0113 818 7930 or by email at enquiries@elementaryuk.com.