Video Distribution Unit Blog
What a hot topic! Are many media centers really incorporating
the video distribution into the media and school’s instructional process? Do they really know how it works? The most
controversial media center topic at my school is the video distribution unit alias
“The continental divide.” In August, my principal hired a video broadcasting
teachers solely for video production; however, unbeknownst to her the needed
collaboration with the media specialist.
Our media specialist is divided between two schools; thus, with us only
on Tuesday and Thursday. My principal and media specialist has been at the
school for two years and were placed there by the district office; thereby,
totally disconnected from one another. Bottom line the video distribution is not
operational and certain parties need it up and running. After hearing through
the grapevine that I was the guru of the media program, my principal instructed
me to see what was wrong with the unit and if it still works. Against my will
and desire, on a day when the media specialist was out I checked out the unit
and found that all needed equipment is available for airing a production;
however, the wiring and connection was the problem. I did share with the media
specialist very apologetically my presence in his area and my total
disagreement for being forced to get involved. We are fine and have a good
working relationship with is important to me.
Besides, being divided between schools, he stated he does not know how it
works and not interested in knowing which he shared with the video production
teacher who thereby shared it with the principal. Volcano about to erupt! I am
not in it. This topic is a much needed
one for my school; thus, the more I learn about it the closer we may all be to reach
a degree of contentment. The
distribution unit, channel one, nor cable have been utilized since I left the
media center in 2005 by the four media specialist that came after me, a media clerk
at that time. The students at Orenco Elementary
and Eisenhower Middle Schools instructional video distribution programs were
class acts and gave me ideas to share with those connected to the unit. What a great way to engage students, as well as, introduce video broadcasting.
Students will love it.
Back to my original questions, how
many media centers are really using the video distribution unit and do they
really know how to operate it. What I do
see is a gap in the media center’s operation of the traditional media
specialist compared to the new age instructional technology media
specialist. Educating upcoming media
specialists via college classes, webinars, professional development, list
serves, and collegiate collaborations are effective avenues in enlighten them
on the usefulness and value of the video distribution unit in the instructional
progress. Also, it is just fun and the students will assist with the tasks by
taking ownership in its daily operations.
I think it is not that the media specialists
are not cable of incorporating the video distribution unit in the media center’s
functions; however, it is very time consuming and our to do list never ends. So
for those who are willing to embrace it, run the race well? What is
your take on media centers not embracing nor incorporating the video distribution
unit in the curriculum when one is available within the center?
I have learned much about our video distribution system in the school I work at this semester. The fact is we do not use it. We only have 1 channel even available on cable for closed circuit and teachers actually argue on what channel it should be on. My media specialist joked and said during March Madness, ESPN wins. Anyway, we have a video broadcast class that has recently taken on the project of creating and presenting video morning announcements. It has been a rough transition due to internet streaming problems and most teachers just give up and do not show them. That is why I have suggested doing them live via our video distribution system and take advantage of what that offers. I believe this hesitation is because the media specialist may not be comfortable being in charge of this. It is a challenge but something I feel could be useful in the school setting.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that this has been such a rough topic for you Trellis! I am a media specialist and I feel that the video distribution system is beneficial for two main reasons. The largest being our morning broadcast. I am in charge of the morning broadcast and it truly is a fun experience, and the kids can practically run it themselves! I am constantly trying to improve the announcements and make them seem more "professional", but without the video distribution system we wouldn't have them at all. Also, we use the video distribution for times when I want to show a school wide film. For example, last week was Red Ribbon Week, and to kick it off I showed a video to the entire school using our video distribution system. Honestly, if it weren't for the morning announcements I could see myself saying it is a waste of space and time because all of our classrooms have a SMART Board which is connected to their own DVD/VHS player. With the technology we have today, it almost makes the Video Distribution System irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteWOW Trellis! Sorry to hear about the battles you are having to experience with this current topic. I myself do not have to be any part of the video distribution system except for once a year around prom time. Our video distribution system is housed with our teacher who teaches a class who manages the announcements for the school. I full heartedly agree that this is the way it should be. This whole subject is very time consuming and an amazing experience for the students. Our teacher has changed things up a little and has been getting great compliments for he new way for the announcements. I do house a much older video unit only because of a video that is shown at prom time for all the students to watch. The video is on VHS so I am thinking we need to either purchase the video in DVD format or even finding a more updated video.
ReplyDeleteWow is all I can say! Very interesting and hot topic, to say the least. Our Media Specialist doesn't have too much dealings with the video distribution system. We have a new principal this year and he has requested that someone coordinate the video distribution system to allow daily news broadcasts/announcement. Myself and a social studies teacher decided to take on the challenge, unbeknownst to us all equipment was outdated. We have since ordered new equipment and are trying to get into the groove. True, students love the opportunity and are embracing it, however, the bulk of planning and implementing falls on us, of course. It's been quite challenging but rewarding in its own right. Our Media Specialist has not shown interest in helping with this endeavor, but I can't say I blame her due to all of the other duties.
ReplyDelete