User Story from Stockton Sixth Form College
Stockton Sixth Form College provides a range of A' level, GCSE and vocational courses to post-16 students in the Stockton-on-Tees area. All classrooms are equipped with a data projector, multi-media PC, VCR and speakers enabling teachers to make use of the latest technology in their teaching. In addition, there are computers available for private study in open access rooms, study areas and the common room. The college also has an online learning environment through which students can access learning materials and take part in learning activities away from the classroom.
Most departments make considerable use of video and had a large number of tapes. We felt that there were many advantages to having these recordings in digital format rather than on tape:
- Recordings do not deteriorate in quality.
- Most of the time we only want to show a short clip and finding the right place in the video can be time-consuming. Using digital clips is much more convenient.
- Recordings can be edited easily and divided into chapters for greater convenience.
- Clips can be integrated with other electronic resources.
- Each student can work with a recording individually, at their own pace.
- Students can watch the recording outside the classroom (either if they missed the lesson or if they want to watch it again).
- Less physical storage space is required.
When we were looking for a suitable product, we identified Planet eStream as one of a limited number of potential candidates. Following Planet PC's demonstration of Planet eStream in May 2004, we deemed it the most suitable solution for our needs and subsequently placed our order in August 2004.
The following are examples of how we are currently using eStream:
- Sports Studies students watch short clips of professional sports people and analyse their technique. Each student can control their own recording and watch it as many times as necessary, stopping and rewinding as necessary.
- Geology students have watched a short programme on earthquakes and completed a set of questions, again using the clip according to their individual needs and preferences.
- An English Teacher set up a lesson plan including a video clip, worksheet and instructions for students to complete while she was away.
- The Sociology department has been streaming its stock of video taped recordings and making them available to students through the online learning environment.
- The Biology department regularly record programmes such as Horizon directly onto the streamer rather than put them onto tape first.
eStream is one of the most widely used pieces of learning technology at the college. Most departments make use of it and, with the introduction of an online learning environment, interest is even greater. It is easy to use and the majority of staff are comfortable using it on their own after a short training session.
Jo Parsons
ILT Curriculum Development Manager
Stockton Sixth Form College