Amy Bohman
EDMT 380-002 Evaluation Assignment
Fall 2005

ITV/Video Evaluation

Content

• A newer program could work better for the students, however, the information in the video is very accurate. This program talks about the importance of oxygen in our lives and this
• One stereotype that could be intensified with this program is that only geeks are interested in science. The musicians in the film are dressed in the stereotypical “geek” look.
• This video is suitable for students in 5 th-8 th grade; however, I would probably use it in 6 th or 7 th grade with the high levels of information, and a 3 rd or 4 th grade level for the instruction methods. The music is cheesy, but students will need some knowledge of chemistry to understand some of the terminology. There is no inappropriate language, or activity in the program, and also talks about the dangers of smoking. However, I do not think I would use this program in my classroom.

Presentation

• A teachers’ guide is available at the AIT website, and lesson plans are available on the PBS website.
• The program is well-organized. It starts out by talking about how the body processes oxygen; then goes over different experiments conducted with oxygen as the main focus. The film is paced well, but could use some pauses for students to absorb information. There are definite spots in the program where the teacher could pause the film and ask questions relating to the information that is presented. The quality of the video is good for the time it was made, and the historical video clips used within the program are very clear.

Learning

This video was definitely made for classroom use. The use of diagrams, on-screen text, real life examples, and the use of metaphors were used in the film to make it more understandable to students. However, more of the jargon used in the program could have used on-screen text. There is also a guest appearance by Sir Edmund Hillary, but there should have been a heading underneath him so the students would know who he is. One definite change I would make to the program is pauses for the students to reflect on what they have learned.

Credibility and Sources of Bias

Browsing the internet I found that the Agency for Instructional Technology has been a leader in educational technology since 1962. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to educational technology. MediCinema, Ltd. is based in Canada. This particular video was sponsored by Solway Metal Sales and Liquid Carbonics, Inc., as well as the Government of Canada’s Program of Science and Culture. These sponsors should have little influence on the contents of the program.

To read an example of an integration with this video, look at my altitude lesson plan .

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Last updated on December 22, 2005
Any Questions? Email bohmanac@uwec.edu