February 2003 — Special Feature
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Streaming Technology Improves Student Achievement
Background on Video Streaming Technology
Video streaming is the showing of video over the Internet. Streaming media technology enables the real-time or on-demand distribution of audio, video and multimedia via the Internet. Streaming media is the simultaneous transfer of digital media, such as video, voice and data, so that it is received as a continuous real-time stream. Streamed data is transmitted by a server application, and received and displayed in real time by client applications on the viewer's workstation. These applications can start displaying video or playing back audio as soon as enough data has been received and stored in the receiving station's buffer. A streamed file is simultaneously downloaded and viewed, but leaves behind no physical file on the viewer's machine.
Video streaming provides instant access to video content that can be used in lesson plans, student projects and research. On-demand or downloaded video content from a streaming site offers a technology tool that holds the promise of improving education. "The latest research and evaluation studies demonstrate that school improvement programs that employ technology for teaching and learning yield positive results for students and teachers. Given that many schools and classrooms have only recently gained access to technology for teaching and learning, the positive outcomes of these studies suggest a future for education that could be quite bright if the nation maintains its commitment to harnessing technology for education" (Riley, Holleman and Roberts 1999).
The technology is currently in place, and widespread availability of video streaming is increasing. With sufficient access and support, teachers will be able to better help their students comprehend hard-to-understand concepts and become engaged in learning. Using video streaming technology, teachers will also be able to provide their students with access to information and resources. as well as better meet their students' individual needs.
References
Boster, F., G. Meyer, A. Roberto and C. Inge. 2002. "A Report on the Effect of the unitedstreaming Application on Educational Performance." United Learning. August.
Branigan, C. 2000. "New Study: Technology Boosts Student Performance." eSchool News Online. October.
Cattagni, A. and E. Farris. 2001. "Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2000." U.S. Education Department, National Center for Education Statistics. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office. Online: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2001/2001071.pdf.
Kerrey, B. and J. Isakson. 2000. "The Power of the Internet for Learning: Moving From Promise to Practice." Web-Based Education Commission. Washington, D.C. December. Online: www.ed.gov/offices/AC/WBEC/FinalReport.
Miltenoff, P. 2000. "Integrating Streaming Media Into Web-Based Learning: A Modular Approach." Syllabus. August.
Riley, R., F. Holleman and L. Roberts. 1999. "E-Learning: Putting a World-Class Education at the Fingertips of All Children." U.S. Education Department's Office of Educational Technology. Washington, D.C. December.
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