Back in my day, we all looked forward to the day that the teacher (or substitute) rolled in the TV cart with the VCR. It meant we got to watch some movie or show related to the content of the class. Maybe it was Bill Nye in science class or maybe Selena in Spanish (too many times, former Spanish teachers...I've seen Selena too many times!!) Today, video content continues to be beneficial to the curriculum, but we no longer have TV carts or VCRs or even DVD players. Now we have to figure out where to find and play the content that we need in a way that doesn't violate copyright. It can be confusing and frankly just much more difficult.
This week, I want to do my best to provide you with some clarity on what you can and can't show in class and how to do it!
Step 1:
Check to see if the film/video has already been approved. This page can always be found on the Hub under Curriculum/Grading and Curriculum Planning. Please note that many films/videos have only been approved for specific departments and/or courses. If you see a film/video listed and it is approved for a different course or department, please contact your curriculum coordinator. If you do not see the film/video on the list, you will need to submit a Film/Video Request Form (found on the Hub also under Curriculum/Grading and Curriculum Planning).
Step 2:
Once your film/video has been approved, you must find a way to show it to your class...there are lots of options:
The Library
The library has a collection of DVDs available to check out along with external DVD players that can connect to your laptop. If it is a new request and you would like the library to have a DVD copy, just contact your friendly librarian as soon as you know and if the DVD can be purchased and added to the collection, it will be!
Digital Campus/Swank
In your Google "Waffle"/App Launcher, you will see something called Digital Campus (near the bottom). This is our collection of digital titles that can be streamed directly online and even assigned to students for them to watch on their own time. Please note that just because a title is available in Digital Campus/Swank does NOT mean you are approved to show it. You must still follow Step 1 above. If you see "Request" next to the title, you can certainly click it - this first goes to the school librarian who will ensure that the title was approved by curriculum. Then, it can be added to the Digital Campus/Swank collection assuming there is not an additional fee. Sometimes titles can be added at no cost and sometimes they are quite expensive (expensive titles will be denied). The request process often takes a few days and sometimes up to a week.
Discovery Education
The State of NH has provided all schools with access to Discovery Education. Simply login with your Google account and you will have access to tons of videos that can be easily shared via Google Classroom or shown in your room. Short clips of just a few minutes can be shown without completing the approval form, but anything longer should go through the usual process. Discovery Ed also has lots of lesson plans and activities that you are welcome to explore!
Classroom Video on Demand
The library subscribes to Infobase's Classroom Video on Demand, which features full videos and segments from sources like HBO, BBC, CNN, and more. Clicking the link above when you are in school will automatically authenticate you, but if you are at home or on a personal device, you will need to enter the Infobase password, which can be found on the LHS Library's database page. Short clips of just a few minutes can be shown without completing the approval form, but anything longer should go through the usual process.
Your Own Copy on DVD
Assuming the film/video has been approved by curriculum for your class, you are welcome to show your own PHYSICAL copy.
Netflix
SOME Netflix Original documentaries are allowed to be shown in a classroom setting. If the description of the documentary includes a section that says "GRANT OF PERMISSION FOR EDUCATIONAL SCREENING", then you are welcome to show it using your own Netflix account assuming it has been approved by curriculum. Other than that, it is against the Terms & Conditions of Netflix to show any other title in the classroom.
Other Personal Streaming Services (Hulu/Amazon/Disney+, etc.)
No streaming service other than Netflix has any exceptions for educational screenings. It is against the Terms & Conditions of these services to show them in the classroom. Please do not stream from these services.
If you ever have any questions, please be sure to ask your curriculum coordinator and/or your friendly library staff!
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