Oregon Technology in Education Network 2006 Teacher Education Showcase Conference Student-led Instruction in Measuring Area: Using a document camera, third grade students share with classmates their solutions to area problems, allowing for immediate discussion of alternate solution strategies. Presented by Stephanie D. Sanpietro George Fox University Instructional Design A document camera was used to facilitate a student-led instructional lesson on finding the area of a shape. Students were able to share their solutions to area problems with the other members of the class immediately as they completed their calculations. Learning Goals The student will be able to determine the area of a shape in square units. The student will be able to use estimation to find the area of an irregular shape in square units. Oregon State Standards Common Curriculum Goal: Measurement Apply, appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements Grade Level Foundation: Direct and Indirect Measurement Find the area of a two-dimensional figure by covering the figure with unit figures Need for Technology Students were able to clearly show their work using the document camera. Prior attempts at this lesson using an overhead projector and transparencies had been unsuccessful due to students inability to write legibly using Vis--Vis pens. Many students were able to lead the instruction due to the ease of using the camera. Assessment and Evaluation In addition to the written area solutions, teacher observations were used to assess the attainment of learning goals. Student presentations using the document camera allowed for the assessment of the critical thinking processes used in determining the area of the figures. Benefits of Use of Technology Students were able to share their thinking and estimating skills as they determined the area of the shape while the rest of the class followed along on their own papers. Students were able to clearly see how their peers arrived at their answers for the area problems. Students wanted to participate as they began to experience the fun and excitement of seeing their work up on the screen. Additional Benefits Use of the document camera eliminates eye strain caused by looking into the light of an overhead projector. When using a document camera, the teacher can use pencil, pen, marker or whatever works best for that application. One is no longer limited by the Vis--Vis pens. Plans for Future Use Everything! The document camera is great for sharing student writing, penmanship samples, illustrations, 3-D artwork, student-drawn maps and so much more.