Modular video with children aged 3 to 11

Previous research by the authors indicated that the videorecorder was not being used effectively in schools with young children. This was partly owing to a lack of suitable video material. Pilot work established that videotapes in a modular form, rather than linear programmes, not only would act as a resource when required by teachers and children but also would encourage more flexible use of video. This would include small group viewing and frequent use of the stop/start, pause, rewind and fast forward controls to encourage interaction. This style is usually nowadays associated with the videodisc although its origin is with the videorecorder. In the quest for technological 'progress', too much emphasis has been put on the videodisc at the expense of the videorecorder. To offset this deficiency, this research and development project, in co-operation with teachers, was established to investigate which material best suits the needs of primary and nursery schools, and to produce a series of modular video tapes.