New at the AMC

Area Media Centers in Ohio have been providing audiovisual resources since 1972. The latest variation in delivery of audiovisual educational materials, now often referred to as "motion media," is digital video. Through a grant from the State Library of Ohio, we have acquired a beginning collection of 134 digital video titles which represent many grade levels in all the Ohio Academic Standards areas.

What does this mean for the individual teacher? He or she can access this core collection of digital video titles in any of three delivery methods--streamed online, downloaded to use anytime during a 45-day period, or on a handy CD-ROM--24/7, as often as needed, now or in years to come. Best of all, there is no cost to the teacher or school district.

Here's how it works.

View the list of digital titles: OAIMC Digital Video Collection

Clickto view more resources

Use your client code and password Once logged in, you'll be able to stream or download that digital video or any of the others. For best streaming performance, you'll need the latest version of "RealPlayer."

How does streaming work?

Nothing could be easier than streaming a digital video to your desktop, but there are some technical considerations. Macintosh or Windows computers will work equally well, but it is essential to have the latest version of browser software--either "Internet Explorer" or "Netscape." Additionally, the computer must have an up-to-date version of a standard media player software, preferably "RealPlayer" version 6.0 or higher. "RealPlayer" is available free online at: www.real.com

Most important is the type of connection available to the Internet. Fiber, cable, or full T1 connections are ideal; slower connections will make streaming difficult. Teachers may also want to check with the school's technology coordinator to find out whether there are restrictions against streaming video due to the high amount of bandwidth needed.

In cases where streaming will not work or is prohibited, temporary downloading provides another option. The "borrowing" procedure using a client code is the same, but the video can be saved by the teacher to a computer--or to several classroom computers--for use any time during a 45-day period, rather than streamed in real time.

What about schools with a video server of their own simply downloading these video titles for permanent access? While that may sound like a convenient option, it is a violation of copyright. It will also result in fewer free digital videos being available in the future. The higher the statewide usage that is recorded, the more likely the Area Media Centers will be to get subsequent funding to further expand the collection.

If neither streaming nor downloading will work, the Area Media Center can send the video on a CD-ROM. Shipping and return methods will be the same as for any other AMC resource. Don't hesitate to ask for extended loan periods if you need the CD longer.

What about the Swiss Army knives? The statewide license to these 134 digital videos is a great new tool for Ohio teachers and students, but this beginning collection represents less than half of one percent of the holdings of Ohio's Area Media Centers. The Area Media Centers are really Ohio teachers' Swiss Army knives--offering thousands of video cassettes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, audio recordings and many other tools to foster academic achievement!