Spring 2006

To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: DOWNLOAD

Innovative Video Application

“united streaming”

Supports all Curriculum Areas

Philip Hall

An innovative learning tool known as United Streaming is available in all schools in the Strait District. The Strait District School Board is the first board in Nova Scotia to provide this video-on-demand service to all students and teachers to further support the integration of technology into the classroom. Films shown in classes used to be distributed on 16mm tape reels. These were replaced by VHS cassettes connected to televisions, and today, videos are displayed directly on a computer desktop. There is no question that our access to technology has improved.

The application provides direct video to the desktop to enrich teaching and learning. The service is a curriculum-based online digital video application which streams clips directly to computer desktops. Instead of waiting days, or weeks for a film to arrive by mail, or trying to tape a television program for replay, students and teachers have rich video resources available with a few clicks of a mouse. The video clips supplement a teacher’s instruction and reinforces student learning.

Carson Dingwell, Grades 5/6 Teacher at Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury is a regular user of this service. “I have used the site on numerous occasions and strongly believe that the videos have always added to the student’s knowledge. I have introduced the site to my student teacher who has found it to be an excellent resource for a new teacher who is striving to build up their wealth of resources. I would highly recommend that all my colleagues familiarize themselves with this important instructional resource.”
Copyright is a very serious issue with which teachers contend every day in the selection of various resources for students. As a subscriber, the Board provides every single user with clear access to thousands of high quality videos and associated text resources. As a result, schools do not have to worry about acquiring copyright permission for these resources.

The service provides access to videos related to every subject taught in the classroom and is very user-friendly. The videos are categorized by topics and grade levels.

Philip Hall, is the Coordinator of Information Technology, Strait District School Board, Nova Scotia.

UnitedStreaming is an award-winning resource distributed by a Canadian company, Waynor Media Solutions, Inc., out of Mississauga, Ontario. They have received considerable recognition for their curriculum software product.
www.marlineducation.com/Waynor/Home.htm