Epson Selects Innovative Classroom Teachers as Winners of the 'Epson Document Camera in the Classroom Contest'

LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), has selected four winners of the "Epson Document Camera in the Classroom Contest," all of whom will receive an Epson® DC-20 document camera. The following teachers won by sharing their creative ideas for using a document camera in the classroom – Renee Kurtz, French teacher at Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; Paula Giran, fifth grade teacher at Hillcrest Intermediate School in North Huntingdon, Pa.; Rachel Perkins, math teacher at Barren County High School in Glasgow, Ky.; and LeeAnne Ewaldsen, fifth grade teacher at Appling County Elementary School in Baxley, Ga.

Earlier this spring, K-12 and post-secondary educators in the United States and the District of Columbia were asked to share their top five ways to use document cameras in the classroom. Epson received more than 1,100 responses and selected winners based on the following criteria: creative use of document cameras in the classroom (50 percent), practicality of implementing the idea using real life examples/application (25 percent), and impact of using document cameras on student learning (25 percent).

A few of the innovative ideas shared included the ability to use the DC-20 document camera to display screen captures of apps that students have created on mobile devices; allow yearbook staff members to proof graphic designs or layouts; manipulate 3D models in geometry classes; display music scores during orchestra class; and take students on virtual field trips.

"The success of this contest and the creative ideas submitted proves that document cameras offer a wealth of opportunities for teaching," said Sara Kim, associate product manager, K-12 Education Marketing, Epson America, Inc. "We sincerely thank everyone who participated in our contest and we plan to share the many ideas we received in order to inspire others."

To view creative teaching ideas using document cameras, visit the Epson document camera website. The winners' ideas include:

• "I would love to be able to project culturally authentic materials (such as metro tickets, train schedules, flags, maps, newspapers, etc.) that I have brought back from my trips to France, so the whole class could see it at the same time and discuss what we can learn from the object," wrote Kurtz.
• "In my forensic science course, the document camera would help to bring the crime scenes to life. I will be able to zoom in on blood splatters or hair samples, so the students can analyze the differences of each. This will engage the whole class at once, instead of having stations for groups of students to move through," shared Giran. 
• "A document camera would make origami less of a nightmare. The students would be able to follow each fold of the paper as I demonstrate it under the camera," explained Perkins.   
• "Having a document camera would allow me to record important lessons and reviews. These recorded lessons could be shown to students who were pulled out or absent. Additionally, they could be used for skill review for students who did not master the concept the first time," noted Ewaldsen.  

More about the DC-20

The DC-20 provides teachers and their classrooms with a variety of advanced features to enrich learning, including:

• 12x Optical Zoom:  Ultra-sharp details and clear magnification
• Built-in Microphone: Record audio with video lessons
• Application Software: Provides advanced functionality such as editing captured images, recording time-lapse photography, video web upload, and file management
• Microscope Adapter: Connect to any standard microscope eye-piece to share magnified images with the entire class
• Image Storage: Capture, store and present images via 1GB internal memory, SD card slot or USB flash drive port
• Split Screen Function: Display images side-by-side, perfect for comparing before and after photos
• Camera Flexibility: Camera head rotates +/- 90 degrees to capture many angles - record white board images, student faces, or classroom wall

Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors and associated accessories.

Availability and Support
The DC-20 document camera is currently available for $549 through the Brighter Futures program, as well as through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, or distribution.

The Epson DC-20 document cameras come with a two-year limited warranty – three-years for purchases through the Brighter Futures program – that includes two elite technical support services – Epson PrivateLine® phone support with priority access to a dedicated telephone support agent, and a Road Service replacement program that includes product exchange in one business day with paid shipping. To learn more about the DC-20 or the "Epson Document Camera in the Classroom Contest," visit www.epson.com/doccamcontest.

About Epson
Epson is a global innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and printing systems, 3LCD projectors and industrial robots to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 68,000 employees in 96 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. Epson America, Inc. based in Long Beach, Calif. is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: www.Epson.com.

You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and (http://twitter.com/EpsonEducation) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

(1) Based upon Q1 2013 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates.

Note: EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PrivateLine and Brighter Futures are registered trademarks of Epson America, Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

SOURCE Epson America