Flip video camcorders seem destined to stick in the educational environment. The social climate to support this type of technology certainly exists. The prevailing lifestyle exists to allow this technology to come into mainstream use (Hird, 2003). Many students, parents, teachers, and administrators are familiar with the use of this technology through their own use of YouTube, social networks and home video. This engaging technology has been in the hands of the average person for some time, but now the ability to easily shoot, edit and post digital video to a larger audience has arrived. This of course does not come without some valid concerns as stated earlier in this project, but it’s an exciting new way to have the average student create digital media and possess the power to share their expertise with their peers, teachers, and if handled correctly, a global audience.
Another reason this technology will most likely stick is its affordability. Flip video camcorders range in price from $100 to $180. Unlike other emergent technologies that are cost prohibitive, a classroom set of flip camcorders could be purchased for less than $1500. Given the current economic climate and shrinking school budgets, this is an important consideration.
Even with all of its technological shortfalls and the concerns with privacy associated with it, the Flip Video Camcorder has many attributes that favor its dissemination in the world of education. It’s an inexpensive, easy to use, single purpose technology that will most likely become a commonplace technology in the classroom.
