Re: laserdisk players

[Karen Becknell <becknellk@voyager.net>]

Hello Netters,
  In response to Valerie's question about laserdisk players, I'd like to
see some other responses/experiences posted, as I am wondering if there
is more I can do to promote this medium.

  Valerie, I really appreciated the description of your situation, and I
guess my first response would be that it depends on whether you have a
real need for this techonology.  It is not particularly popular in my
district's schools, although it varies from building to building and, of
course, teacher to teacher.  Our district first purchased players and a
complete elementary science program on laserdisk from Optical Data, over
five years ago.  All media specialists, and some teachers attended
workshops offered by our ISD on the Optical Data product, and each media
specialist offered sessions in her building (that was when I only had
one).  I worked with teachers and students to familiarize them with the
product.  I also purchased additional laserdisks to support other
curriculum areas.  There was a lot of opposition to using the
laserdisks, mainly because it took so long to find the materials the
teachers wanted.  We were supposed to receive barcodes and software
which would elevate the Optical Data program to a Level 3 program, but
it never happened.  So we have rematined at Level 1.
  It is my understanding that software must be written for the laserdisk
in order to operate it from a computer (Level 3).  However, it was over
three years ago that I looked into this, so it probably has changed a
lot in that time.  I also know that a lot of companies are putting their
video products out in laserdisk format.  National Geographic offers a
lot of their videos in laser format as well.  I think the prices are
slightly lower for the laserdisks.
  The upshot is, we (the administration) rushed in headlong, and now we
have a very expensive product sitting on the shelves, with 7 or so
players which are rarely used.  The teachers now prefer to use CD's
attached to a large monitor for classroom presentations.  You may find
that a viable alternative.  Some of the teachers in my original school
still use the laserdisk for specific lessons, but I have never seen it
used in my second school.  So maybe not jumping on the bandwagon was the
best thing for you.  You and your teachers now have the opportunity to
assess just what is available, and if it is of use to you.  You can also
investigate the alternatives.  Also remember, if your faculty is on the
verge of a turnover, the situation will most likely change soon, and
your building may soon have teachers who want to use this and other
technologies.

Whatever you do, good luck.

Karen Becknell
Media Specialist
The Lamphere Schools
Madison Heights, MI
becknellk@hiller.lamphere.k12.mi.us