Are you a teacher considering purchasing a document camera for your classroom? Perhaps you’re wondering what software you’ll need to elevate your lessons, or whether you will use it enough when budgets are tight? We’re often asked about interoperability and the great news is that document cameras such as the HUE HD Pro are extremely versatile tools. They work with any apps that are compatible with Plug & Play, USB video class devices, which means there are almost endless software options available.

To help save your time (and sanity) searching the web, we’ve curated a list of software applications that are particularly beneficial for educators and students. And, as many educators cannot download desktop software to school devices, we have mostly included browser-based apps. 

Whether using a Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook or iPad running iPadOS 17 or later, check out these awesome apps you can use with your device and #HUEcameras. 

1. HUE Software:

• HUE Intuition: Comprehensive camera management software for HUE cameras that enables users to stream a video feed, capture images and videos with sound, annotate, and flip and mirror the camera view. This useful desktop software is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP or Mac OS X 10.5+. It is included with every HUE HD Pro camera or available as a separate purchase for other models.
• HUE Camera Viewer: Simple, Chrome browser-based visualiser software for HUE cameras. No installation required.
• Stop Motion Studio for HUE: Easy-to-use stop motion animation software for Windows 10 or later, or macOS 11+. A single user license is included with the HUE Animation Studio kit. There is also a mobile version (available separately or as a free app) which can connect to HUE cameras on an iPad. Please contact us for more information about site licenses and the ChromeOS version of Stop Motion Studio.

2. Video Conferencing & Communication:

• Zoom: Popular for virtual classes and meetings. We have produced an introductory guide to setting your camera up with Zoom!
• Microsoft Teams: Comprehensive platform for collaboration and online teaching.
• Google Meet: Ideal for live video sessions.

3. Live Streaming Tools:

• Open Broadcast Software (OBS): Free, open source software for video recording and live streaming. This fully-featured desktop software is tricky to navigate but offers a wealth of tools for keen streamers. Free downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux are available on the OBS website.
• YouTube Live: Live video recording that can be saved as ‘private’ videos for editing and later use. 
• Twitch: Live streaming and chat platform popular with gamers and makers.
• Mathsbot: A simple browser-based visualiser app for classroom-based streaming. Features include flipping the camera view and digital zooming.

4. Classroom Tools & Student Engagement:

• Seesaw: Digital portfolio tool for documenting student work.
• Padlet: Share multimedia content and collaborate. Watch an easy-to-follow Padlet tutorial created by Richard Byrne for the basics. 
• Classroomscreen: An online whiteboard tool with a camera function.
• ShareTheBoard: Share your ‘physical’ whiteboard with anyone legibly, interactively and securely using your HUE camera.
• Equatio by Texthelp: Digitise handwritten math and make it accessible for your students.

5. Interactive Learning & Assessment:

• Edpuzzle: Add interactive questions to videos you’ve filmed with your HUE camera. 
• Nearpod: Upload videos and make them interactive by adding questions to check for student understanding.
• Scratch: Use HUE cameras for coding projects such as video sensing and color detection.

6. Video Recording & Editing:

• Screencastify: Record screen content for video lessons and tutorials.
• WeVideo: Online video editor for creating educational content.
• Veed.io: Simple video editing tool.
• Loom: Create and share video messages, lectures, and tutorials. Watch an easy-to-follow tutorial video to learn the basics.

Have we missed an app that you love? Let us know in the comments or contact us. We’re always looking to expand our list with tools that benefit educators and students!

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