Teaching Using a Video Zoom Microscope: Is It Possible?

There are a lot of applications in relation to a video zoom microscope. But do you know that one of them is in the field of education? Indeed, teaching using a video zoom microscope is very possible.

Why They Are Used by Classroom Instructors

Teaching applications are enhanced through the use of video zoom microscopes. These scientific instruments are easy to set up and attach to a video monitor. All the instructor has to do is to explain to his students what the are seeing as well as what they need to see.

The traditional teaching method imposed in scientific studies is to allow students view the specimen one at a time. However, with video zoom microscopes, falling in line isn’t necessary. They can all together view the specimen. With a simple flick of the switch, the screen will be filled of the sample and students even those are the last row can watch it perfectly.

How Does the Video Zoom Microscope Work?

It is highly necessary that a teacher knows the basics of video zoom microscopes. This allows them to make use of the equipment properly.

A video zoom microscope is a system equipped with a single CCD camera that’s mounted in the system. This means that the output stems from the eyepiece and then is fed into a monitor or CCTV monitor. The microscope is, in general, shaped like a tube. It permits light to pass through from a single end, while the camera is attached on the other end.

Zoom Optics

You can find at the center of the microscope the zoom optics. Their zoom magnifications can range between 0.7 and 4.5x. The video image you can see on a CCTV screen may appear larger. This is because of the increased magnification provided by the monitor.

Inside the CCD camera is the CCD chip size. This component has an important role with regards to overall magnification. The price of the video zoom microscope increases when the chip’s size also goes up.

Video Resolution

Those who make use of video zoom microscopes, especially the teachers or some students who are performing demonstrations or experiments, should take note of the resolution of the video. It is practically relying on the camera. If you want better resolution, then the camera should be of excellent quality. You can choose a variety of colors for it. They can either be white, black, or colored. Compared to colored ones, black-and-white cameras can give off better resolution since they don’t contain too much color information.

Barlow Lens

You can place at the bottom of a tube integrated in the microscope a Barlow lens. This is extremely useful if you want to adjust the video’s magnification. You can also take advantage of C-Mounts. They are mounted on top and are attached to a CCD camera. All these parts can help magnify a sample at different angles. They can also increase or decrease the video’s magnification.

Imaging Capabilities of the System

One of the most important aids when teaching is visual presentation. This allows teachers to relate their discussion to what the students are seeing. Thus, they can automatically associate the theories to applications.

The imaging systems of the video zoom microscope provides mechanical flexibility and optical quality that you require. Every system comes with a comprehensive range of adapters for the lenses. They are also other attachments that allow users to select the type of magnification suitable for the subject under observation. You can also modify the working condition of the video zoom microscope in order to obtain the best kind of image for the specimen.

To get the magnification that will make the specimen appear clearer in the monitor, you simply have to adjust the microscope’s parfocal zoom lens. Working distances are measured in inches while the field of view by millimeters.

Increase Production through Proper Teaching

It is a known fact that video zoom microscopes are not only used in scientific studies. They are also utilized in a number of industries. Teaching then isn’t only limited in four-walled classrooms but in air-conditioned conference halls as well. Managers and production supervisors can use the video zoom microscopes to educate their workers on how to improve their productivity and efficiency.

The Microscope in Industries

Video zoom microscopes are excellent in inspecting products such as semiconductors, PC boards, and semiconductor chips closely. The operator and even supervisor doesn’t have to suffer eye fatigue and neck strain as they can view these components all together. Video zoom microscopes are very easy to utilize and can feed crisp and clear images into CCTV monitors.

So is teaching using a video zoom microscope possible? Very, and in fact highly advised.