The audio-visual handbook (1942)

192 The Audio-Visual Handbook roundings and normal activities can give to the class clearer and more accurate impressions than can be obtained in any other way. The earlier discussion of the motion picture will provide numerous other suggestions as to the application of this valuable tool to the field of science. The "Have You Heard" series of radio programs presented by the Office of Education and "The World Is Yours" series presented by that office in co-operation with the Smithsonian Institution are fine examples of scientific information presented interestingly over the radio. Some of these, and other scientific programs are now available on phonograph records or transcriptions, which will increase and prolong their usefulness among schools. In the field of fine arts there has been a gradual but slower development of materials. Collections of slides showing different techniques in drawing and painting as well as slides of the famous artists of history, and their works, are used extensively. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has prepared many interesting motion pictures of various parts of the museum as well as pictures of the techniques used in making pottery and in etching, carving, and painting. These films have been found to be of great value in developing the art program. The field of mathematics has received little attention among the producers of visual aids of various kinds. Of course various models have been used for number combinations and for advanced work in geometry and trigonometry, but there are only a few slides and motion pictures belonging or relating to the field of mathematics. There have been some plans laid for the production of such subjects, and it is expected that suitable materials will be available in the near future. However, many teachers of mathematics have found flash cards, number combination slides, and other visual aids to be valuable both for routine teaching and for review or testing. One of the most interesting recent developments is a series of stereographs for use in teaching solid geometry. Constructive English and literature may be greatly enhanced by the introduction of pictures of various kinds. The method of teaching literature by dissection is finding itself discarded in favor of teaching with appropriately selected visual and sound aids. It has been found by closely checking the results of picture showings that when the picture of a novel is shown at a local theater there is a great increase in the calls for that book at the nearest library. This is true among adults, but the same seems to also hold true of students. Students who have an opportunity to see the motion picture "Julius Caesar" are much more interested in the story. Those who have an opportunity to see "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," "The Headless