The Integration of Digital Video Technology
TLTR Grant
January 1, 2004-December 31, 2004
Dr. Joanne Leight
Department of Physical Education

Description of the Project

The project managers (Dr. Joanne Leight and Dr. Kathryn Davis) purchased the software and equipment necessary to use digital video software with digital camcorders on IMB compatible computer (PCs) in order for Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) teacher candidates to analyze human movement in a variety of ways. Since a new curriculum has been put into effect (Fall 2003), PETE teacher candidates must now be able to integrate several important components into their learning to meet specific accreditation standards, both on the national and state levels.  One of these components is technology.

During the Spring 2004 semester, Dr. Leight and Dr. Davis priced and ordered the necessary equipment and software for this project.  Due to the size of the files necessary to create digital video, we had to work with the instructional technology experts in securing a location for loading this software, since the original plan to install in the West Gym Computer Lab would not be feasible.  It was determined that the software and fire wire cards could be installed in the small computer lab in the basement of BSB, and was done so during the summer months. The digital cameras, CD’s and fire wires were stored in Dr. Leight’s office.  (Dr. Davis accepted a position at another university and left SRU in May, 2004.)

It was a challenge to implement digital video technology into the two Technology for PETE (PESM 202) classes for the Fall 2004, since the equipment just arrived late summer and the instructor had not yet mastered using it.  In addition, the class enrollment was 25 students in each section, the lecture portion of class met in West Gym, and the lab section was in McKay Education Building.  Since the digital video software was in BSB, on only ten computers, it was very difficult to introduce it to the entire class.  In the future the course will be structured differently so that digital video technology can be implemented.

In order to learn the software and create digital videos, Dr. Leight used the Technology for PETE course as an Honors Program contract course for a student and advisee in the technology course.  In order to gain Honors credit for the course, he had to create a CD using digital video.  He reported his progress on a weekly basis and also made suggestions for added equipment to improve the editing process.  He suggested a CD/VCR editing deck, in addition to royalty free music and software to add titles and text to the video.  He researched the equipment; received quotes, and the Physical Education Department ordered the necessary equipment.  He also wrote a paper on digital video and created a CD about the Physical Education program at North Allegheny School District.  He and his brother, a student teacher at North Allegheny, presented on the topic of Digital Video at the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Convention in Seven Springs in December 2004. He will also be presenting his work at the February 17, 2005 TLTR meeting.  (NOTE: Since this was used as a contract class, the student did not receive the student wages previously listed in the expenses.)

A graduate course in technology will be offered during the summer session (2005) and that will be the first class to create a CD utilizing digital video.  The smaller class size will permit more hands-on experience, and will aid the instructor in troubleshooting any potential problems for use with the undergraduates.  In the future, digital video will be introduced in the Technology for PETE course.  Also, it is the hope that the faculty in PETE can learn how to create digital videos and utilize them in their classrooms as well.

Expenditures