In the case of Jim Shasky, who teaches a magazine video production class, he also brings a library of hundreds of videotapes.

"Students have many detailed questions and to be able to actually show that student, on demand, a visual piece that answers their concern revolutionizes the learning curve," Shasky said.

But a good teacher needs more than resources, he needs to have the ability to access them easily and reliably.

"In some cases I had to run upstairs to my office, frantically search for a certain VHS tape, run back to the classroom, bend down behind the console, insert the VHS tape and try to cue it up to a certain point, at the same time telling my students to be patient."

That was causing a bit of frustration for the telecommunications professor and his students. He knew there had to be a solution, and that wasn't carrying the tapes with him to class each day.

Shasky contacted David Marini, instructional designer at the university's teleplex production services. Together they developed a solution. Marini helped Shasky create a series of Digital Versatile Discs, or DVDs for use in the classroom.

Several of the hundreds of videotapes were transferred to digital information and organized into a useful resource. No longer does Shasky have to search through the tape to find a pertinent example. Three DVDs allow quick access to the information.

Marini specializes in helping Ball State faculty solve instructional problems. The university has emphasized using technology to enhance teaching and learning for more than a decade, and Marini believes DVDs aren't a flash in the pan.

"Whenever I get the chance to design a new solution, I want to make sure it won't become obsolete in a year or two," Marini said.

Shasky has plenty of examples of how the technology helps with his lessons. In one case he edited 12 versions of the same story.
 
"I showed how that story would be produced for CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, an entertainment version, straight news version, video news release version and so on," he said. "Also, I edited how various scenes would look and feel with and without camera coverage, with and without using natural sound and music, or with and without talent interaction."

"What we can actually do here at Ball State with this new digital DVD technology will help foster student creativity, help them prepare for the rigors of the commercial film and video world and, most importantly, assist the students in securing successful employment opportunities in their chosen field." Shasky said.

In the first round of digitizing the tape library, three DVDs were created. With Marini's help, Shasky plans to convert the rest of his video collection.

"In short, Dave Marini has been a godsend for me," Shasky said. "His efforts have moved me out of the dark ages of teaching."

By Tim Underhill, Electronic Media Coordinator

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Shasky at jimshasky@bsu.edu or (765) 285-9079, and Marini at dmarini@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8367.)