Criteria by Format Chapter 10

Formats ► Selection process  How media specialist should view format characteristics  Make decisions based upon criteria related to each format

Audiorecordings ► Audio cassettes / CD’s ► Examples  “Books on tape (CD)”  Musical CD’s  Storytelling recordings  Poetry readings

Audiorecordings ► Advantages  Portable  Wide-range available  Students find it appealing  Aid to reluctant readers ► Disadvantages  Extended time may be boring  Not practical for large groups  CD’s and tapes easily stolen

Audiorecordings ► Selection criteria  High quality sound; interesting narration  Appropriate time duration  Compatible with available equipment  Includes user’s guide

Books ► Advantages  Portable  Wide range of topics  No equipment needed ► Disadvantages  Movement not easily demonstrated  Little interaction  Certain reading-level skills needed

Books ► Selection criteria  Weight, print size appropriate  Opaque paper  Spacing between words  Attractive/representative book jacket  Illustrations useful and appropriate

CD-ROMs ► Advantages  Large memory storage  Quick information retrieval  Durable, portable ► Disadvantages  Need computer or CD-ROM player  Information cannot be updated or changed  Limited use – one student or small group

CD-ROMs ► Selection criteria  Updates, cost effective, annual fee, license  On-screen tutorials  User friendly – good table of contents or menu  Fast access to information  High quality graphics, audio, video  Fits specific need not available in other formats

Computer software ► Advantages  Creative problem solving, drill and practice  Self-paced interactions  Rapid information retrieval  Enhance student/teacher presentations ► Disadvantages  Teachers may be reluctant to use  Software/equipment incompatibility  More programs appeal to boys

Computer software ► Selection criteria  Compatible with equipment  Content more appropriate than in other formats  User locus of control  On-screen instructions clear and understandable

DVDs ► Advantages  7x storage space of CD-ROMs  Near-studio quality video and HQ audio  Instant searching/high quality freeze framing  Compact and Closed-captioned ► Disadvantages  Some TV’s cannot handle clarity  Poorly compressed video or audio may be distorted

DVDs ► Selection criteria  Quality of content  Discs and players compatible  Age appropriateness

Games ► Advantages  Problem solving scenarios  Simulate realistic situations  High interest from learners ► Disadvantages  Time consuming  Limited number of players  Can distort social situations  Educational value lacking

Games ► Selection criteria  Store easily/pieces neatly stored  Items durable/replaceable  Clear directions  Computer needed/compatible

Graphic materials ► Tables, posters, charts, cartoons, graphs, pictures, etc. ► Advantages  Inexpensive; widely available  Enhance physical details and understanding ► Disadvantages  Sizes/distances distorted  Visual literacy required  Motion can only be suggested

Graphic materials ► Selection criteria  Concise information  Less-important elements de-emphasized  Lettering clear and legible  Sizing large enough for intended audience/distance

Kits ► Advantages  Various formats related to specific topic combined in one package  May aid differing learning styles ► Disadvantages  May included different age level material  May duplicate other items in collection  Costly; individual parts not replaceable

Kits ► Selection criteria  Relationship among its parts  Special equipment needed?  Directions clear  Does it fill a unique purpose?  You may choose to create a kit from existing materials in collection

Newspapers/Databases ► See pages

Pamphlets ► Advantages  Inexpensive or free  Additional copies usually easily obtained  Provide a variety of viewpoints ► Disadvantages  Easily misplaced due to size/format  Flimsy construction  May contain advertising/bias

Periodicals ► Advantages  Promotes leisure reading  Suggest activities  Serve professional clients ► Disadvantages  Circulation controls  Magazines disappear  Storage may be an issue

Periodicals ► Selection criteria  Content interesting to students/teachers  Well-organized topics  Illustrations pertinent  Electronic versions offer same coverage ► Back issues  Discard or store  Pattern of use

Videos ► Also see DVDs ► Advantages  Illustrates moving concepts well  Familiar format to users  Fairly durable ► Disadvantages  Need a big screen for multiple viewers  Some very expensive

Websites ► Advantages  Worldwide information  Fast, inexpensive  Links to related information ► Disadvantages  No classification scheme  May not be updated  May not be age appropriate

Websites ► Selection criteria  See pg. 185 for list ► Copyright implications

Conclusions ► Material selection  Who will use them  What format is preferred  Appropriate equipment available  Relevance of new formats and technologies from The Collection Program in Schools, by Van Orden and Bishop, 3 rd edition, 2001.

Activities ► Choose any item that you would like to consider adding to your collection. Using the appropriate format selection criteria checklist from chapter 10, answer each question using your item, and explain if you would add the item based on the criteria. ► Locate a website and complete the selection criteria checklist on pg. 185.