By: Sam Angello - 1/21/2023
Arnold, J. (2014, August 8). CameraSim 1.2 for Mac & Windows (Video). YouTube.
Curiosity and filling in the gap
According to Keller & Deimann, epistemic curiosity arises when there is a gap in a person’s knowledge about something. That curiosity often leads to questions, and questions lead to closing the learning gap (2018). For example, have you ever wondered what all those settings on a DSLR camera are? Have you ever wondered how to use the manual (m) setting? Want to know how a camera works other than your cell phone? So, if you are a budding photographer or wish to shoot quality photos, let your curiosity dive into CameraSim and see what possibilities await you. Ha, and Im’s study on the Flow Experience found that when learning is visual and interactive, the learners have a higher level of flow, including focus, curiosity, and a greater sense of internal reward from experience (2020).
Feedback to enhance learning outcomes
CameraSim is a web, computer, and smart device application that allows users to learn and experiment with different DSLR camera settings. This simulator is handy when teaching how to use manual mode and how to use the camera and lenses by allowing the user to experiment with settings and focal lengths, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. As the students manipulate the settings on the camera and lenses, they can visually see changes in the photo. CameraSim also provides instant feedback about the setting chosen to use. It will also explain what can be adjusted to make the image better. The input also encourages when the learners have chosen settings that are considered correct for that scenario. I have utilized this software for several years in the college courses I instruct. The software allows my students to experiment with settings and give them positive feedback and suggestions on improving their choices when adjusting camera settings. One unique feature of this simulator is that it allows you to see and adjust motion blur in real-time and lets you see ISO and the noise that is getting introduced into the picture depending on the setting you choose. Another helpful feature is that you can select different scenarios to shoot in, e.g., nighttime, sunset, bright light, etc.
Relevant goals and meaningful learning experience
Using this teaching approach allows the learners to set their personal goals, helping to make the learning experience meaningful and relevant (Keller & Deimann, 2018). I have found in my teaching experience that many school systems need more money to provide students with hardware-based equipment, e.g., lighting, cameras, sound equipment, etc. Using app-based technology like CameraSim, is an excellent alternative to the physical hardware to help teach the basic theory behind the principles on how a camera works. In addition, it allows students to get hands-on experience and practice adjusting settings without needing a physical camera. Too often, there is a lack of hands-on teaching in many underserved communities, thereby preventing students from having meaningful interaction with technology. This impedes the learners from reaching goals and having positive learning outcomes (Rodgers, 2022). By investing in this free program, students can experiment with basic camera settings while receiving input from the app to help improve their basic camera skills.
How app-based learning leads to increased motivation
Apps like CameraSim allow the learner to explore the features while working independently without needing much oversight from the instructor. The reason is that the app provides positive feedback and suggestions to help stimulate the learner’s motivation and curiosity in the subject matter by using extrinsic rewards. For example, if the learner makes mistakes, the app will give positive suggestions and allow the learner to correct and visually see the error in real time. This will help motivate the learner to continue toward successful decision-making when choosing camera settings that will enhance their photography skills and lead them to a successful outcome and learning experience. When learners can move at an enjoyable pace, they are more likely to be motivated and reach satisfying results (Ha & Im, 2020). When looking at comparative camera simulators, Abidin et al. found that 81.2% of their test subjects felt comfortable using the simulator without face-to-face instructions (2022).
Challenges to web-based apps
One major challenge using web-based apps like CameraSim is a disparity in communities with low-income families or rural communities where they need the infrastructure to access the internet and technology at home. Not having access prohibits learners from utilizing this technology off-school premises. When developing app-based learning systems, creators and developers must keep this in mind. According to Clay-Buck, over 19 million people still need high-speed internet access. She also states that only 65% of schools in low-income and minority communities have high-speed internet access (2015). When developing app-based learning, creators and developers must keep these statistics in mind. In addition, this technology needs to be accessible on systems with bare minimum specs and low-speed internet connections to make it more accessible to low-income and rural families.
The future of app-based learning with photography
There is a future for this app-based learning, particularly for photography, especially when using this technology with VR, AR, and AI. Implementing VR and AR into a program like CameraSim would allow for a fully immersive learning experience. It would offer users a more tactile experience interacting with the application. This provides a more real-world scenario. For example, changing lighting conditions, posing subjects, etc. This is similar to the golf simulator many pro golfers use to perfect their swing. Implementing AI into the application opens other possibilities, such as real-time customizable feedback and analytics of your choices and how to correct them for better outcomes in your photography.
Currently, CameraSim does give essential feedback and examples. However, I think there is room for improvement, including adding tutorials that go deeper in depth and explanations to help expand the user’s knowledge base on these topics. In addition, a testing system would be a nice feature. Testing would allow instructors to evaluate the students in photography to ensure comprehension of the subject matter is mastered, ensuring the students have successful outcomes in the course. According to Channa et al., AI education would provide learners with a personalized learning experience that would benefit their learning style and desired ways of learning (2021). (Images from Camera sim pro 1.1)
Cameras sim pro helps visualize what the future of this technology could look like.
Arnold, J. (2016, October 30). CameraSim Pro 1.1 (Video). YouTube.
Conclusion
In conclusion, apt-based learning will be a vital part of the future of educational instruction globally. It can help close gaps created by addressing schools' financial issues and lack of staffing. In addition, this is a great way to supplement traditional learning allowing students to learn at their pace and receive feedback to help improve and augment the skills and abilities of the learners. Not only learning the basic skills of photography while piquing curiosity but meeting with meaningful tasks. The learners are in control of their learning and end with positive rewards, both extrinsic as well as the personal satisfaction of achievement (Keller & Deimann, 2018).
References
Abidin, M., Alkaabi, E., Razak (2022). Proof of concept: effectiveness of photography
training simulator during covid-19. International Conference on Research in Education and Science, 185-193 https://orcid.org/oooo-0002-8254-1219
Arnold, J. (2014, August 8). CameraSim 1.2 for Mac & Windows (Video). YouTube.
Arnold, J. (2016, October 30). CameraSim Pro 1.1 (Video). YouTube.
Channa, F. R., Sarhandi, P.S. A., Bugti, F., & Pathan, H. (2021). Harnessing artificial
intelligence in education for preparing learners for the 21st century. Likogretim Online, 20(5), 3286-3192.
Clay-Buck, H., & Tuberville, B.(2015).Going off the grid: reexamining technology in the basic writing classroom.Research & Teaching in Developmental Education, 31(2), 20-25.
Ha, Y. & Im, H. (2020). The role of an interactive visual learning tool and its
personalizability in online learning: Flow experience. Online Learning, 24(1), 205- 226 http://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v24i1.1620
Keller, J. M. & Deimann, M. (2018). Motivation, volition, and performance. In R. A. Reiser,
& J. V. Dempsey (EDS), Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology. (4th ed., pp.78–86). Person Education Inc.
Rodgers, A. J. (2022). Embedding equity in the design and implementation of digital
coursework. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 54(4), 18-22
Motivation Through a Perceived Knowledge Gap
I have to admit that this post piqued my interest because of the gap in knowledge I have around the manual setting. A learner having perceived some knowledge gap in something they want to learn more about is a huge motivator in seeking out that knowledge. This article is a fantastic example of technology being designed to close a specific knowledge gap and in a way that can more learning photography more accessible to those in lower income areas who might not have easy access to real cameras due to cost. As an amateur photographer myself the full understanding of the manual setting is still a gap in my knowledge. Having different applications designed…
USING APPLICATION BASED LEARNING TO HELP MASTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Using application based learning in education, puts the focus on teaching students through hands-on, real-world experiences. It emphasizes the use of practical, relevant, and meaningful applications of academic concepts and skills, rather than just presenting abstract theories.
As a photographer, I can remember being a student at the Art Institute of Pittsburg in my photography course. We were learning how to use the controls on our DSLR camera and how to correctly set it up in manual mode. We were given an assignment, that include using the Camera Sim application, to show us how to correctly adjust our DSLR camera. The goal of this method was to help students understand how …
Before I start, a confession; I've sent the website to 2 kids that I work with here to help them understand that magical triangle of ISO, f/ stop, and shutter speed.
When the world shut down in 2020, I was one of those parents that wondered how school was going to continue. At the time, I was parenting a 9th grade freshman through what turned out to be the longest 2-week break from spring break I've ever experienced. Eventually, his school got a program together, and just like many other systems, they put their entire program online. While my son was relearning how to learn, my wife, a high school counselor, was trying to revamp her entire process to re…
This was a neat case story; I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about CameraSim. While reading it, the aspect of it that stuck out to me most was that the app and the learning curve is a little, to a lot, on the self-teaching side of things. Which I found to be great! While the app is helping to teach you and correct you when wrong, there still is required motivation to learn of your own volition. There has to be some element of what is being called “self-directed learning” (Mbeau-ache, Banks, Ford, 2022). As one has probably assumed, there is a link between how high someone scores in self-directed learning and their academic achievements and the higher the self-directed…