Video Technology in the Classroom
Get Connected to United Streaming!

Toni Polito
July 2006



What is it?

Are you anxious to integrate technology into your classroom? Do you want a way to incorporate technology without teaching it as a separate subject? Video streaming is a fun and easy way to incorporate technology into cross curricular areas. By definition video streaming is a technique used for transferring data so that it can be processed as a steady and continuous stream without interruption (Streaming, 2006).


Who uses it?

Incorporating technology has become a priority in the daily routine of the classroom, but the amount of time we have to teach has not changed. You can use video to introduce a new topic to students, or as a follow up to a lesson for clarification on a topic (Technology, 2006). Video streaming allows you to show an entire video or only a few segments that are pertinent to your current lesson, which gives the students a more visual approach to learning (2006, Jan. 24).


Why use it?

United Streaming offers a variety of tools such as videos, quizzes, writing prompts, clipart, and so much more. The website is a great resource for teachers and is very user friendly. It has the ability to meet the needs of all learners with a variety of available media (United Streaming, 2006).
One key feature United Streaming offers is a large library of videos in a well organized database. The content includes thousands of videos from the Discovery Channel, BBC, and others. It also includes new videos that explore math, science, language arts, and foreign language. United Streaming has also added new media that includes a library of sound effects, diagrams, and images (United Streaming, 2006).

United Streaming is more than just a library of videos. It offers teachers many opportunities to incorporate technology into the classroom on a regular basis. Research shows that using United Streaming increases the achievement of students. With the video content linked to state standards, United Streaming also meets the requirements for No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Overall, United Streaming is a great way to incorporate technology into daily lesson plans.

Resources:
http://www.discoveryeducatornetwork.com/
-A link to an educator’s network that includes a discussion board and resources.

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech226.shtml
- A link to professional educator reviews of United Streaming and other software.

http://www.unitedstreaming.com/
-A link to the homepage for United Streaming.

http://staff.ace.ac.nz/centres/technology/Bruceweb/Video%20in%20the%20classroom/home.html
-A link to using video in the classroom articles.

http://www.pcwebopaedia.com/TERM/s/streaming.html
-A link to an article on- What is video streaming?

References:
(2006, Jan. 24). Technology an Educator Can Love. Retrieved July 13, 2006, from
Education World Web site:http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech226.shtml

Streaming. Retrieved July 13, 2006, from Webopedia Web site:
http://www.pcwebopaedia.com/TERM/s/streaming.html

(2006). United Streaming Benefits and Features. Retrieved July 13, 2006, from United
Streaming Web site: http://www.unitedstreaming.com/