Widgets
Camera
The camera widget lets you display a live feed from your device’s camera on your classroom screen. It works with built-in webcams or external cameras, so you can show anything in real time.
Teachers use the camera widget when they want students to see a close-up demonstration, share student work, or model an activity. It’s handy for reading aloud, showing math manipulatives, or projecting handwritten notes.
Ways teachers use it
- Model how to solve a math problem step-by-step using paper and pencil.
- Show a close-up of a science experiment or demonstration.
- Read a picture book aloud and display the pages for the whole class.
- Share student work samples or art projects live with the class.
- Demonstrate how to complete a worksheet or fill out a form.
How to set it up
- 1Sign in to your teacher account and open or create a classroom screen.
- 2Click the 'Add widget' button and select 'Camera' from the content widgets.
- 3Choose which camera to use if your device has more than one.
- 4Position and resize the camera window as needed on your screen.
- 5Click 'Start camera' to begin sharing the live feed. Project your screen to the class.
Tips
- Use a simple document stand or stack of books to point your camera at papers or objects on your desk.
- Check your lighting to make sure the camera image is clear and easy for students to see.
- Mute your computer’s microphone if you don’t want to share audio along with your video.
- Test the camera angle before your lesson starts to avoid last-minute adjustments.
Questions teachers ask
Can I use an external USB document camera with this widget?
Yes, the widget works with most webcams and document cameras connected to your computer. Choose your preferred camera from the widget settings.
Is the camera feed private or stored anywhere?
The camera feed is only shown live on your classroom screen and is not recorded or stored by Edform.
Can I use the camera on a tablet or laptop?
Yes, you can use the built-in camera on most tablets and laptops. Just allow camera access when prompted.
What if my camera doesn’t show up in the list?
Make sure your camera is connected and not being used by another application, then refresh the page to try again.
Templates with this widget
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Science lab for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A ready-to-use science lab screen for pre-K with steps, safety, timer, poll, and camera—all free for teachers.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Science lab for kindergarten–2nd grade
A science lab screen for K–2 with steps, timer, poll, and camera to guide hands-on experiments.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Science lab for grades 3–5
A ready-to-use screen for guiding 3rd–5th grade science labs with safety, steps, timer, poll, and camera widgets.
Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)
Science lab routine for grades 6–8
Guide grades 6–8 through safe, organized science labs with step-by-step instructions and live polls.
Grades 9–12 (ages 14–18)
Science lab routine for high school (grades 9–12)
Project lab safety, steps, timer, poll, and camera for high school science labs. Students check off steps and vote from their phones.