Digital Photography in the Classroom

Whether using a Smartphone, an iPod, an iPad or a regular digital camera, using digital photography in the classroom has never been easier or more accessible.

Most students already have access to a digital camera one way or another. Schools can now buy digital cameras rather inexpensively with basic models costing under $100 and a very good DSLR starting at around $400. Also most computers already have software (or can download free software) for viewing, storing and editing digital photos such as Apple's iPhoto or Google's free Picasa software.

Before starting to use digital photography in the classroom, there are some basics that need to be considered or covered first. What cameras do we have available? How do they work? What settings are best for format, resolution, file type, exposure and White Balance? What software and workflow shall we use to import, edit, backup and share digital photos? What are the basics of taking good photos, such as using the Rule of Thirds?

Here are  a few great resources to get you started:

10 Useful Digital Photography Tutorials for Beginners
Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials for Beginners
Edutopia- Digital Camera: Inside the Classroom and Out
Nikon: Digital SLR Camera Basics
Apple iPhoto for Mac
Google's Picasa
Scholastic: 100 Ways to Use Digital Cameras