Using Document Cameras for Speech-Language Evaluations

When the global pandemic first hit and we received letters from publishing companies granting us temporary permission to administer tests over videoconferencing platforms, we all scratched our heads and thought, “How is that going to work?” “How do I use a document camera for speech-language evaluations?” What not to do I first tried holding the test easel next to my head, in front of my head, right in front of my camera. Nope, that didn’t work. My student either couldn’t see the book or couldn’t see the whole picture. Next, I thought it would be great if I could capture the images digitally, but learned we weren’t given permission to do that. Then I started researching document cameras and headed up to my local office supply store to buy an ipevo document camera or an elmo document camera. Luckily, they were sold out. I thought I was in a bind because I had a student to test remotely and no way to do it. But wait! I have a phone that has a camera. I have an iPad that has a camera. I DO have a document camera for speech-language evaluations after all