Empowering Learning Through Technology
In today’s rapidly evolving education landscape, technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. At PS 19 East Village Community School in New York City, Principal Bradley Goodman and fourth-grade teacher Ruth Frank-Holcomb are proving how innovative tools can redefine teaching and learning. With the ELMO document camera at the center of their classrooms, lessons have become more interactive, collaborative, and engaging for every student.
A Principal’s Perspective: From Overhead Projectors to ELMO
Principal Bradley Goodman has worked at PS 19 for over two decades, starting as a teacher before becoming principal ten years ago. Reflecting on his early career, Goodman recalls when overhead projectors were considered cutting-edge classroom technology. Teachers relied on transparency film and dry-erase markers to share lessons.
Today, those tools have been replaced by interactive whiteboards and ELMO document cameras in every classroom, from Pre-K through fifth grade. Goodman explains that these technologies have transformed instruction:
“They allow our teachers to showcase student work, conduct interactive read-alouds, and support every learner with visual tools. Students learn in different ways, and the ELMO document camera helps us reach all of them.”
For Goodman, the most powerful use of the ELMO camera is when students share their thinking in real time. Displaying student work for the entire class not only fosters peer learning but also encourages students to take pride in their process.
A Teacher’s Perspective: Collaboration and Engagement
Fourth-grade teacher Ruth Frank-Holcomb shares how the ELMO document camera impacts her daily instruction. With eight years of teaching experience, she highlights her role in creating a classroom culture built on visibility and collaboration.
She uses the camera to project student work—whether on loose-leaf paper, worksheets, or handwritten stories—so that the entire class can see and discuss it together. This makes feedback and editing exercises dynamic and inclusive.
“It’s really helpful for feedback in real time,” Ruth explains. “The class can see the work, talk about it, and learn from each other. Students love coming up to the camera to share their writing, and it makes them more excited to participate.”
The camera also supports read-alouds by projecting entire books for group discussion, eliminating the need for students to crowd around.
Why ELMO Document Cameras Stand Out
Both Goodman and Frank-Holcomb agree that ELMO Products are remarkably user-friendly. Teachers can set them up quickly, and the simple interface integrates seamlessly into daily lessons. Compared to older methods, the ELMO camera offers a modern, flexible, and efficient way to share materials, making it an invaluable part of interactive classrooms.
Transforming the Classroom Experience
At PS 19, ELMO document cameras have done more than digitize old practices—they’ve created a new culture of collaboration and interactive learning. Students see their work valued, teachers gain powerful tools for instruction, and classrooms become more inclusive for diverse learning styles.
As educational technology continues to evolve, PS 19 demonstrates how tools like the ELMO document camera are paving the way for a future where every student can actively engage, collaborate, and thrive.
Read more information about the Case study in PS 19 East Village School here.