See and hear : the journal on audio-visual learning (1945)

Waste of Human Hesnurces "know thyself" is the precept or iiiis editorial contribution TOWARD WIDER AND BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF FILMS IN HEALTH EDUCATION WHAT ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCES? Recently, this question was put to several classes of young people. The reaction?— Such answers as: coal, iron for steel, precious metals, forest reserves, and a host of similar replies. This same question was asked groups of adults! — the same thinking resulted — though some more subtler replies were included, such as: molybdenum, uranium, tungsten, and tin. Are these actually our most important resources? Or is it human resources?— For generations humanity has condoned a great wastage of human resource! Because of ignorance, lack of understanding and neglect, and a low level of public concern, the most important resource of this world — human life — has been lost, squandered or maimed! In ages past, literature gives many evidences of the devastation which widespread epidemics of disease have caused— the great plagues ravaged whole countries— diseased and mentally warped individuals were to be found in increasing numbers in all strata of society. Since the keeping of public health records in the United States, evidence of the ravages of tuberculosis, small pox, widespread tooth decay, fatal children's diseases, and mental disorders and breakdown have consumed pages. These pages also tell a story of human misery and wastage which has deprived this country of untold progress. One of the great developments in public education both at elementary, secondary and adult levels has been on the health education front. Today in our schools we see regularly organized attention being given to understanding of health information and the practicing of health attitudes which will lift all people to higher levels of health and happiness. In great numbers of our schools, we may witness preschool mothers' groups considering wise methods of food preparation, sleep schedules, and play opportunities leading to the more effective "bringing-up" of their children. School nurses and doctors carry on a constant campaign of information concerning prevention of communicable disease, proper habits of per sonal cleanliness, wise attitudes of mental hygiene, and related health problems. Today for the first time in the history of education, information on sex and venereal disease is becoming an increasing part of public education as qualified nurses or M.D.s lend their counsel to the learning situation. And through all this health education pattern, we see new tools of instruction interwoven — the sound film and filmstrip. Educators and adult leaders today welcome vastly increased numbers of films in the area of health education which present information which is authentic, clearly presented through visualization, and logically organized on the premise that out of adequate backgrounds of factual information the young learner or the adult may build well-conceived attitudes toward health habits through which he may enjoy a more fruitful and happy life. When authoritative information, presented visually becomes a part of a health learning situation, objective approaches to the learning are achieved whether in the case of communicable disease films, first aid, health and nursing films, or through films on the functioning of the most marvelous organism of all — the human body. Through films, the voice of authority may be brought into the most remote meeting place of the country. The latest advance in health information may be explained through diagram, microphotography, slow motion, or "close-up." The reasons and the functions of the body mechanism as it reacts to wise care and use may be explained to the learner through the clearcut and understandable learning medium of visualized 16mm sound film and filmstrip presentation! Always, however, in the planned use of these new materials the teacher, the nurse or the doctor lends all valuable guidance, planning and counsel. The following list of health films evidences the degree to which information today can be brought before learners who wish assistance in the wisest use of the most marvelous and yet complex organism ever created — themselves. — Walter A. Wittich Health fe Welfare IS ki