The first of two articles suggests 11 library media skills lessons developed around the theme of Black history and achievement. The second feature describes a fully-developed media production activity which combines several library media skills and Black history. (MES)

Describes and compares features of six camcorder formats. Identifies VHS and eight-millimeter camcorder formats as the most popular formats used in schools and reports advantages and disadvantages of these two formats as described by school library media specialists. Presents camcorder tips and offers hints for videotape cassette care. (JMV)

Explains how to transfer graphics from paper into multimedia productions through scanning. Discusses uses of scanning in business, government and education; how the scanner works; types of scanners; and general facts about them. Presents tips for effective scanning from professionals, including general maintenance advice. (AEF)

The calendar was creeping into June. It was late spring, a time when many students' thoughts were sliding toward summer vacation. But it wasn't a problem in Lori Lowe's classroom. Her students had bigger things on their minds--like whether or not the Civil War would turn out the way they hoped. For many weeks, these fourth graders had been…

Describes a project in which students research and describe a career using a book report format and then produce a videotape based on the "What's My Line?" television series. (CLB)

Knowing how to use audio mixers in the postproduction of student videos is necessary for high-quality sound. Equipment and techniques are described, and the use of background sound, sound effects, and music is described. (AEF)

Presents video production techniques, tricks, tips, and phrases to help high school teachers and students become video literate. Highlights include six basic camera movements, three basic camera angles, and a list of projects and discussion ideas for production classes. (JMV)

This survey of 200 school media specialists in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina examined media production time and skills. Issues addressed included percentage of time spent in production, the importance of various skills, types of materials produced, and the adequacy of formal preparation for production. (Seven references)…

Outlines seven common mistakes in student-produced videos; suggests ways to avoid them. Mistakes include too much open screen space; unnatural, abrupt transitions between camera shots; odd juxtapositions of performers with background objects; endless talk without shot changes; no space between the subject's head and top of the video screen;…

Presents a simplified technique for students to use in producing an animated film using cutouts, including the equipment needed, planning steps, and procedures. The production of such a film for a social studies project combining map skills with facts about the United States is described, and additional resources are suggested. (EM)

Presents tips for creating a successful schoolwide newsletter by using desktop publishing software applications. Provides examples of information to include in a library media center newsletter. Discusses readers' needs, layout and format, graphics, news leads and headlines, and visual images, as well as various newswriting and editing techniques.…

Presents a media production unit for grade 3 which combines library media, art, language arts, and science skills to produce a slide-tape program of original poetry. Unit goal, subject area objectives, performance objectives, materials, procedures/activities, and evaluation are described. Five resources are listed, and a sample script is included.…

Describes a library media production activity in which each student uses a Kodak Ektagraphic Visualmaker to produce a color slide illustrating his/her winter vacation. The project is designed to be low-budget and to involve uncomplicated equipment. Included are explanations of performance objectives, materials, procedures, and evaluation. (EM)

One solution to poor quality sound in student video projects is a four-track audio cassette recorder. This article discusses the advantages of four-track over single-track recorders and compares two student productions, one using a single-track and the other a four-track recorder. (PEN)

Discusses how students and teachers can produce more creative and technically proficient videotapes with an inexpensive editing system. Describes the basics of creating different shots, steps to follow in the editing process, and how to avoid mistakes. (AEF)