PRODUCTreviews
Digital Science Video Library
By Camilla Gagliolo
V isual Learning Company (VLC) has launched a new digital video library for
integrated use of science videos in
elementary and middle school classrooms. The Digital Science Video
Library provides science videos specifically formatted for use with iPods
and other portable video players. The
library includes more than 1,000 video clips available in the H.264 digital
format, a video-compression technology that provides high-quality
video in small file format. Although
the library contains videos specially
formatted for use with iPods, it can
also be used with a projector in the
classroom. I found that both methods of viewing these science videos
are effective in schools, depending on the availability of iPods and
teaching preferences.
The library features each title as a
full show as well as shorter content
clips (about a minute in length),
metadata for enhanced search capability, and teacher’s guides. The
collection covers a range of topics in
earth science, life science, and physical science for elementary school
students, and the series expands to
include health science and integrated
science for middle school students.
Each video is enhanced with closed
captioning and includes on-screen
quizzes and relevant vocabulary.
VLC has optimized the video
library for use with other media
management systems. I found that
the video library was a useful toolset
Several titles from the Digital Science Video Library, including Compounds in Chemistry, The
Nature of Light, and Lab Equipment Safety, are available in Spanish. Podcasts and sample
videos are available for download at Visual Learning Company’s website.
for providing clear, sharp video in a
small file size that is ready for immediate use on portable video players.
The H.264 digital format provides
great picture quality on small video
screens and translates well on larger
screens, if preferred. I manually up-loaded the video collections through
i Tunes to iPod sets. Our 10 iPod
sets then traveled from classroom to
classroom in a portable iPod charger.
The collection of science videos
clearly explains basic scientific concepts while presenting vocabulary
study with interactive learning activities, such as video quizzes. Many of
the videos provide real-life connections to natural wonders and hard-to-grasp science concepts, bringing
learning to life in a portable multimedia format. VLC videos include
live-action footage and computer
animations to illustrate real-world
examples of science concepts. With
unique video footage and colorful
animations, these multimedia resources explore science concepts and
terminology in depth while breaking
meaty topics into smaller chunks
to meet diverse learning needs. The
combination of video and graphics
with extensive teacher guides and
interactive learning activities presents a learning toolkit that stimulates
multiple learning styles and preferences. The immediate accessibility to
science resources through this pre-formatted video series provides an effective resource for teaching that covers many areas of student learning.
The portability of the media makes it
ideal for individualized instruction
and small-group reinforcement.
Digital Science Video Library
$89.95 per title, per school building
Site licenses available for multiple schools;
pricing based on student population
Visual Learning Company
www.visuallearningco.com
Camilla Gagliolo is an instructional technology coordinator with Arlington Public Schools in Virginia. She also serves on the ISTE Board and as chair of the SIG Board Committee.
