PC Based Video on Demand Trials

Many educational institutions have a substantial personal computer (PC) network that can be adapted to provide digital video on demand, as well as PCs that can be used as video on demand clients. To gain insight into the issues involved in using this technology in an educational environment that relies heavily on video, a simple, low cost video on demand system was installed in the Visual Arts Library at Monash University, Clayton (Australia). Qualitative trials were then carried out involving staff and students from the film and television studies section of the Visual Arts Department. Each user was asked to view the encoded materials, experiment with the technology, and critically evaluate the video excerpts. The video on demand system was identified as being of most benefit to students in individual study of course material. The system allows one digitally encoded video to be used concurrently by many people, solving the problem of limited viewing facilities. The flexibility of digital video also enables new ways of presenting comparative materials as well as providing more efficient ways to undertake typical student assignments. For example, it facilitates repetitions of a single scene for in-depth analysis. The issues identified as the most problematic in the use of the technology in the teaching of film studies are cost, quality, and speed of encoding the material from VCR to MPEG. Overall, the reaction from participants in the trials was positive. (Author/AEF) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** PC Based Video on Demand Trials U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Ofhce of Educe Wel Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received fmm the person or organization odginating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY