The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

March, 1923 125 School Department Conducted by Marie Goodenough (We wish to call particular attention to the kind of film reviews offered here. They are entirely impartial, and critical in the finest sense of the word. They are written from the educational standpoint by the department editor, who is not only a trained reviewer, but a teacher of wide experience. So far as we know, it is the first time that such service has been rendered by any publication in the field of non-theatrical films.-7-Editor.'i Use of Visual Aids in a Village High School A RECENT inventory of visual aids in the Mendon high school showed a good supply of maps, charts, pictures and one Bausch & Lomb balopticon (stereopticon and opaque reflector combined). A moving picture machine was lacking. Since arrangements have been made with the local picture theater to show educational films, selected by the principal, this is not missed. Interest in visual aids in our school dates back to 1921, when the Modern History class became interested in the Washington Conference, then being held at our nation's capital. After some preliminary discussions the class decided to put on a "conference" of their own. In order to obtain the use of a moving picture machine the "conference" recitation was held in the opera house. Two members of the class adept at drawing made about twenty fine slides to accompany the various reports worked out by the members of the class. Old slides were cleaned and covered with a paste made from prepared chalk dust. After the slides had dried, maps, cartoons and statistics were scratched on them by means of a pin stuck in the end of a lead pencil. A protecting glass was then fastened to the prepared slide. After all the report had been given two Fox news reels were shown. These pictures gave some interesting views of the Washington Conference and greatly aided in making it a real event in history for the members of the class as well as the audience. Our experiment was a complete success. Students as well as patrons of the schools spoke enthusiastically of the recitation. At the beginning of the present school year about a hundred and seventy dollars were available for the annual senior present. After considering the various needs of the school it was finally decided to buy a balopticon. The machine has been used now for a number of months and has proved invaluable. Eight classes use it. The history classes throw on the screen cartoons, maps and pictures of present day history makers. Occasionally a theme is put before an English class for general discussion. The various science clubs use it continually to illustrate pieces of interesting apparatus and new inventions. In PhysicS drawings are used for class instruction and review work. Increased attention is found in all classes. Our balopticon is used out of school as well as in school. At the last board meeting enlarged copies of statistics covering school activities, scholarship reports, cost comparisons and teachers' salaries were thrown on a screen. A general discussion followed each presentation. The reports were greatly appreciated by the members present. Later these same statistics, at the request of the president, were shown at a "Dad's" night entertainment. The "Dads" were glad to obtain information concerning their school. In any school a most important factor in team work is keeping the board and community informed as to plans; progress and needs of the school. This is especially true for the village school that is putting new plans across. Detailed information usually wins support. The balopticon,. with its opaque reflector, aids greatly in this.type of endeavor. H. M. Leinbaugh, PrincipM. Township High School, Mendon, III.